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Caring for a loved with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia has become even more challenging during the COVID-19 crisis. We wanted to give a few of our volunteers an opportunity to share their experiences as a way to help others understand the anxiety and stress of caregiving during this time.

Following is Jackie's story. If you'd like to share your story with us, please click here.


Jackie Collins
Sweet Memories Team Captain
Walk to End Alzheimer's Prince George's County



The coronavirus pandemic has had a tremendous impact on my mother. In 2018 she was diagnosed with mild dementia, but was still in denial about it and continued to live alone with a part time caregiver. During that year I decided it was time to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. In 2019, I served as team captain with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Prince George's County. Currently, I am a team captain and on the Walk Committee. 

I am now living with a “real life” Alzheimer’s situation (as I write this) and have had a new life adjustment. My mom has shown rapid cognitive decline during the social isolation period during this pandemic. Caregiving is hard! My mother is not the same person, it’s difficult for her to communicate, and she has lots of physical ailments. 

This is a picture of my mother holding my Sweet Memories team bear. I walk for my mother because it’s never been more important to me than now to help fight for a cure for this terrible disease. A big thank you for all the donations received so far!