Arlowen Kuchera has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for more than a decade, but early signs of the disease started 15 years ago with moments of confusion.
“it was devastating in the beginning,” her daughter, Kay Etter, told the Log.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. There is no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues.
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to end Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer care, support and research. the walk is held annually in more than 600 communities, including the Destin area.
The Walk to end Alzheimer’s is important because, “it makes people aware of this devastating disease,” Etter said.
This Saturday participants of all ages will meet at Baytowne Marina in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to join the march toward ending the disease. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. for more information visit alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900.
Kuchera was an Army wife. Before the disease took over, “she was stubborn and could do anything,” Etter said. “ She worked, sewed, cooked and entertained.”
But after her husband passed away, things began to change. Etter decided to move her mother from her longtime home in San Antonio, Texas, to Athens, Ga.
“She was leaving everything she knew,” Etter said. On the drive to her new home, “we stopped at a convenience store to get some water, and while I was waiting in line she decided to go wait for me outside.”
When Etter came out of the store, her mother was nowhere to be found. She looked under cars and in the field.
“I looked down the road, and I saw this nice Cadillac like my father used to drive — same color and everything,” she said. “She was sitting inside it and had locked herself in.”
Etter begged her mother to get out of the car, but Kuchera just shook her head. it wasn’t until the owner of the Cadillac came out that she was able to reach her mom.
At that point no diagnosis had been made, but “that was a sign right there that something was wrong,” she said.
A few months later, Kuchera was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and lymphoma at the same time. She’s been through radiation and cancer treatment, but Etter says the memory loss has taken its toll on her.
Her mother was staying at a facility in Georgia, but after several falls and broken bones, Etter decided she needed some “extra TLC.” They decided to move to Sandestin in July. her mother is now a resident of Crystal Bay Memory Care.
“She’s as happy as she can be, but she’s tired and worn out,” she said. “She’s an angel in waiting. She’s in a good place and ready to meet dad again.”
While Alzheimer’s is hard on the people who live with the disease, Etter says it’s also tough for the caregivers.
“it affects our lives, our travel, our marriages — everything you do,” she said. “They don’t really remember, but caregivers remember everyday.”