Alzheimer's doesn't just affect elderly

(FOX Providence) - Alzheimer's Disease has been described as the long goodbye. Every 69 seconds someone in America develops the disease. And it doesn't just affect the elderly.

Cherly and Hal Bestwick have been married 29 years. And while there were many good times, their lives have changed Alzheimer's Disease.

Hal was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 55. He's now 61, and things most people take for granted are difficult for him.

Hal was an avid fisherman, who loved playing sports with his daughter or hiking and skiing with his wife. After more than five years of living with Alzheimer's, it's the simple things that are hard.

"We can't have a conversation anymore. Going out to eat is like eating alone," said Cheryl.

Alzheimer's has also cost them many of their friends.

"They don't know how to treat him as they always treated him. And it's very hurtful."

The disease is also hard on daughter Kerri, who knows the future will be difficult.

"Looking more into the future, having my dad walking me down the aisle when I get married; that is going to be hard," said Kerri.

Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island , and Eyewitness News' Mike Montecalvo joined The Rhode Show to talk more about the disease and the upcoming Alzheimer’s Walk.

Memory Walk is now known as Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

When: Sunday, October 2, 2011
Where: Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket
Time: Registration starts at 8:00am, walk starts at 9:00 a.m.
Sign up at www.pawtucketwalktoendalz.kintera.org/2011
or
Salve Regina University, Newport
Registration starts at 12:00 p.m., walk starts at 1:00 p.m.
Sign up at www.newportwalktoendalz.kintera.org/2011