Medlar Field at Lubrano Park was host to the annual State College Walk to End Alzheimer’s this past weekend, with hundreds of participants and donors raising nearly $89,000 to support the care and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Renea Nichols, a Penn State assistant teaching professor of communications whose father is battling Alzheimer’s, took part in the walk. She said her sister cared for their dad before he had to go to an assisted care facility.
‘She took care of him until she could no longer take care of him, because they can get really angry. They get violent sometimes. It’s exhausting because he doesn’t sleep,’ Nichols said.
When things get difficult, Nichols’ family can still connect with her father by singing old Gospel songs.
Nichols said it’s difficult watching a family member battle this disease and has advice for others experiencing the same thing.
‘Just supporting each other and supporting your loved one… they can’t help it but you can help it. You can love them and be patient with them,’ Nichols said.
Centre County Report’s Andrea Linn spoke with Nichols and has more from the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Donations can still be made to the 2017 walk here.
This video is produced by and for the Centre County Report and shared through a partnership with StateCollege.com.
