Memory Walks for Alzheimer's disease in Northland

Some of the participants in last year's Memory Walk for Alzheimer's on the Hatea Loop in Whangarei.

Northlanders can take a walk for a good cause next month with four Memory Walks to raise funds for Alzheimer's disease organised across the region.

Alzheimers Northland is inviting people to attend its annual Memory Walk, a free, fun family walk to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the community.

The focus is to increase understanding about what happens to people and their families when dementia strikes. It's also about what we as individuals can do to help, and what services Alzheimers Northland currently offers.

The first Memory Walk is planned for Whangarei, with participants setting off from the Canopy Bridge for a walk around the Hatea Loop from 12pm on September 17.

Three walks will be held on September 24 starting from Kaitaia's Community House; the Kerikeri Domain and Dargaville's Countdown Supermarket carpark, all from 12pm.

All those who take part get a free Memory Walk T-shirt in bright purple.

This year people will be able to register for Memory Walks online - and fundraise. The group has teamed up with Go Fundraise, who have hosted online fundraising sites for Memory Walks in Australia.

By registering online, people will get the option to donate or create a fundraising page. This is similar to Givealittle, where an individual (or team) can gather donations for their participation in the Memory Walk from friends, family or colleagues. Check out the website at http://memorywalk2017.gofundraise.co.nz/.

■ Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms come on gradually, first appearing after age 60.

The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is usually mild forgetfulness. At first, someone may have trouble remembering small things, like what they did yesterday. They may get confused easily. Some people get very good at hiding signs for a long time.

Eventually, they may forget how to do important, everyday things, like cooking meals, getting dressed or using the toilet. They may not recognise even close family members. This can make it very hard for someone with Alzheimer's to look after themselves.

How bad and how quickly this occurs is different in each individual. The time from onset to death is usually very long - from five to 20 years.