Group prepares for Memory Walk

Two years ago, Norman and Marie Sebastian of Jackson, Mo., were still eating out at the Jackson Senior Citizens Center, going to church at the Good News Christian Center in Jackson and volunteering at the Missouri Veterans' Home in Cape Girar-deau.

But today is much different for the couple since Norman Sebastian, 80, was diagnosed with dementia in late 2000. Doctors have recently said it is probably caused by Alzheimer's disease.

"Daddy was always very outgoing and helpful," said Janet Wendel, the Sebastians' only daughter. "He'd walk across the street to say hi to someone. The disease changes personality in some people. The hardest part for me has been watching Daddy go from a devout Christian leading Bible studies to not even knowing how to pray."

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. It is the fourth leading cause of death in adults, after heart disease, cancer and stroke. Men and women are affected almost equally.

Norman now lives at the veterans home where an entire wing is devoted to dementia patients and there is an Alzheimer's support group, in existence since the facility opened in 1990.

Hoping for teams

Many members of that support group will likely be participating in Southeast Missouri's sixth annual Memory Walk, the region's largest annual fund raiser for Alzheimer's education, research and services, at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Capaha Park.

"Our goal this year is to encourage walkers to sign up in teams," said Cheryl Klueppel, Southeast Missouri outreach program manager for the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis. "When people get together with friends, family and co-workers, it makes the walk more fun for them -- and raises a lot more money for the cause."

More than 4,000 people in Southeast Missouri have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but the disease affects far more than the community's elderly. For every person diagnosed with Alzheimer's, three more people have to assume some sort of caregiver role.

According to Wendel and Marie Sebastian, it was difficult to find help in the beginning because it was hard to convey to doctors all the symptoms Norman was displaying.

In addition, to many financial assistance agencies Norman was not technically sick. He had no broken bones and to this day has not spent one night in the hospital.

But since they learned of the Alzheimer's organization, it has helped them physically, emotionally and financially.

Throughout his life, Norman was a strong man who served in the U.S. Army, owned his own refrigeration business and ministered to many people, including prisoners in the Jackson City Jail every Monday night for 30 years.

Quit job to help fatherLast August, Janet quit her part-time job to help her mother care for her father five to six hours each day.

In March, they couldn't get Norman Sebastian out of bed.

"That was one of the last times he said much," Janet said. "I put my head on his chest and said, 'I'm sorry, Daddy. I can't get you up.' And he answered, 'That's OK, baby.'"

Norman Sebastian stayed at the Jackson Manor from March to July. Then the family transferred him to the veterans home.

"People need to know they can go to the Alzheimer's Association for help," Janet said. "Just the respite care in itself that they provided was wonderful."

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133