Sacramento woman walks for Alzheimer's cure amid rising cases

In Sacramento, nearly seven million individuals are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, a number projected to double by 2050. This alarming statistic has prompted advocates to emphasize the urgent need for research and funding to find a cure. The annual Walk for a Cure event serves as a platform for raising awareness and financial support for both research and caregivers of those affected by the disease. Melissa Wos, a dedicated advocate, has been participating in this event each year, motivated by her personal experience of losing her mother to Alzheimer's in 2021. Melissa's journey began in 2013 when she noticed her mother's increasing confusion following the death of her father from lung cancer. The emotional toll of witnessing her mother's decline was profound, as she described the painful transformation of her once-kind mother into someone unrecognizable. In a bid to contribute to research efforts, Melissa donated her mother's brain to the University of Miami after her passing, underscoring the importance of scientific inquiry in the search for a cure. In addition to her fundraising efforts, Melissa has taken her advocacy to the legislative level, supporting Senate Bill 639, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom. This bill mandates additional training for healthcare professionals working with dementia patients, ensuring they receive adequate education in geriatrics and dementia care. The new requirement aims to improve the quality of care for individuals suffering from these debilitating conditions. Through her relentless efforts, Melissa Wos exemplifies the commitment needed to combat Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the critical need for awareness, research funding, and improved training for caregivers. Her story serves as a reminder of the personal impact of Alzheimer's and the collective responsibility to seek a cure.