One in nine: The staggering odds facing seniors as Fayetteville prepares for its annual memory walk

A profound shift in public health has seen Alzheimer's disease claim the minds of over seven million Americans, a figure that translates to roughly one in nine people aged 65 and older. This widespread impact drives the annual gathering in Fayetteville, where hundreds are expected to assemble on Saturday to support those affected by this progressive condition.

Amy Hamby, a resident of Erwin, represents a particularly poignant segment of the participant base. She is taking part in the event to honor her late father, a man her family lovingly knew as Poppy. Hamby will wear a Team Poppy shirt, a visual tribute to the father who passed away in 2008. Her presence serves a dual purpose, marking both her personal loss and her current journey as a woman living with the very illness that claimed him.

Reflecting on her father's death, Hamby admitted that the family lacked a clear understanding of the genetic factors at play. Despite her background as a nurse, she was unaware that her father carried a specific gene that she would also inherit. She described that realization with a mix of humility and shock, noting that she had no clue about this hereditary link at the time of his passing.

Hamby received her own diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's in 2024 at the age of 59. In the years leading up to that confirmation, she attributed her emerging symptoms to the lingering effects of the pandemic. The widespread discussion of post-viral cognitive issues, often referred to as brain fog, provided a plausible explanation that delayed her seeking further medical clarity for some time.

Recent testing revealed that Hamby carries two copies of the APOE-4 gene, a variant known to significantly elevate the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's. Medical data indicates that possessing a single copy can double or triple an individual's risk, while having two copies can increase that likelihood by ten to fifteen times. This genetic profile adds a layer of complexity to her current medical situation.

As she awaits access to new treatments, Hamby acknowledges that the approved therapies carry notable risks given her specific genetic makeup. Nevertheless, she views the potential benefits as outweighing the dangers. Her determination to pursue these options highlights the difficult decisions many families face when balancing treatment efficacy against potential side effects.

Despite the challenges of daily life, such as occasionally needing her children to repeat questions, Hamby remains engaged with the activities she loves. Cooking, a lifelong passion, continues to bring her joy. She has recently revisited a cookbook filled with family recipes, finding comfort in the memories those dishes evoke and in the shared meals she enjoys with her loved ones.

Her diagnosis has also propelled her into the realm of advocacy. Hamby has traveled to Raleigh to work on legislation aimed at supporting Alzheimer's research and care. Her efforts are driven by a desire to maximize the time she has with her children, ensuring that she can live her life to the fullest while contributing to the broader fight against the disease.

The community event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Segra Stadium. Registration is still open, allowing anyone to join the walk or show their support for the cause. The gathering stands as a collective reminder of the resilience of the families and individuals navigating this challenging health landscape.