Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in NEPA

Did you know November marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month?

According to the latest annual report by the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s in 2025. This number is projected to nearly double by 2025, reaching about 13 million. This month, we recognize and bring awareness to those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Griswold Home Care for NEPA is here to provide a better understanding of the disease. We aim to highlight Alzheimer’s efforts happening right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and provide support through our dementia Care Services.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that causes nerve cells to die, leading to a gradual loss of memory and other mental abilities. One of the most significant known risk factors is increasing age. Shown by 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. Many people do not know that Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s has no cure, which is why there is a worldwide effort to find better ways to treat the disease and prevent it from developing.

Symptoms and Stages of Alzheimer’s

There are many symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and they arrive in different stages: early, middle, and late. Here’s a breakdown of each stage and the symptoms expected to accompany each:

Early Stage: People may forget recent conversations or events, misplace items, repeat questions, use poor judgment, or become less flexible and hesitant to try new things.

Middle Stage: Memory worsens, and people may become confused, disoriented, or have trouble with speech. They might act impulsively, repeat actions, feel paranoid, sleep poorly, or experience hallucinations.

Late Stage: In late-stage Alzheimer’s, symptoms are severe. People may become aggressive, upset, or repeat questions often. Other signs include trouble swallowing, weight loss, and gradual loss of speech.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s in NEPA

Raising awareness for Alzheimer’s has never been more crucial, with millions of families touched by this disease every year. That’s why events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s are so important, as they unite our community in hope, support, and action.

We’re grateful for leaders like Dick Smith, Development Manager for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, who inspired and rallied the NEPA area for this year’s event. Dick’s dedication and vision brought hundreds together to make a real impact.

Dick is also an active member of Caring Hearts Wyoming Valley. A supportive initiative within our community for health care professionals. Our Community Liaison, Angela, serves as Vice President and helps lead this group, which is committed to supporting families and individuals in need.

Event Details

On October 18th, over 700 people joined together for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Raising more than $111,000 (and counting!) to fund research, care, and support for local families. This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without Dick’s passion, countless volunteers, dedicated partners in NEPA, and everyone who stepped up in our community.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is volunteer-led at every level, showing the real impact of local people coming together for a cause. Without our strong community and volunteers, this would not have been possible. We’re also excited to share that Dick announced Angela as a member of the 2026 Walk Committee, strengthening the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s mission for years to come.

Dick and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s team are wrapping up an amazing walk season and will be celebrating with a special Walk to End Alzheimer’s Celebration and Leadership Roundtable for key partners and supporters. Griswold is honored to have received an invitation and excited to be part of these important conversations to shape the future of the event and strengthen our community. We look forward to continuing efforts to raise awareness for those currently living with Alzheimer’s.

To help support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, please consider donating here. Every dollar raised helps families in need.

A Griswold Caregiver Can Help

If you or a loved one is currently living with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia, we can help. A Griswold Caregiver can support you in the comfort of your or your loved one’s home. We offer a variety of specialized home Care Services, including dementia care options. We can also help create a safe environment to establish healthy routines and reduce tasks that require memory.

If you live in Luzerne or Lackawanna Counties, or in other areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania, give us a call today! We are happy to put together a personalized care plan for you and provide support so that you or a loved one can continue living at home.