Stories in Our Steps: Walk to End Alzheimer's Recap
The Promenade at Piedmont Park turned into a surge of color, courage, and hope at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the Alzheimer's Association—and we brought our cameras and team to capture it all. From the first cheers to the last hug, we connected with caregivers, researchers, and supporters who refuse to let this disease define our futures. As a media sponsor, Parenting Up! dug into practical takeaways and lifted the voices that make this movement real.
We spoke with a variety of advocates - caregivers and families honoring parents and partners, and supporters who showed up with empathy even without a personal connection. We spoke with Dr. Levey of Emory’s research team who laid out why deep sleep, daily movement, and social connection can reduce risk, how accurate blood tests are transforming early detection, and why new medications that slow progression mark a true turning point. We also talk candidly about clinical trials—why enrollment lags far behind cancer, what’s at stake for prevention studies, and how a strong trial culture can accelerate breakthroughs for everyone.
Throughout the day, small moments carry big meaning: the flower garden of colors, a little girl holding the white flower that symbolizes the first survivor, and the reminder that empowerment programs help people live well with ability, not just diagnosis. The crowd’s energy makes one thing clear—joy is a strategy, and community is a form of care. If you’re a caregiver, a person living with dementia, or an ally ready to do something that matters, this conversation brings both hope and marching orders.
Walk with us, learn with us, and help move the science forward—subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and consider joining a clinical trial or local chapter event. Your step might be the one that brings the white flower into bloom.
Visit Alz.org for more information and check us out at parentingup.com.
Executive Producer/Host: J Smiles
Producer: Mia Hall
Videographer/Editor: Annelise Udoye
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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Patreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudios
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00:00 - At The Walk To End Alzheimer’s
00:51 - Humor And Heart For Caregivers
02:14 - Why Prevention Starts With Sleep
06:29 - Media Sponsor Moments And Crowd Energy
06:56 - Onstage: Progress, Hope, And Prevention
08:11 - Sleep Research And Lifestyle Habits
09:16 - Why Clinical Trials Matter
10:31 - Early Detection And New Medicines
11:33 - Empowerment Programs For Living Well
14:07 - Caregiver Voices And A Memoir
17:15 - Flowers Of Remembrance And Hope
20:16 - A Field Of Services And Support
22:16 - The White Flower And First Survivor
24:19 - Joy, Diversity, And Collective Strength
28:13 - Call For Community And Action
31:16 - Tears, Resilience, And Closing Thanks
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