Olympic Gold Medalist Speaks Out During National Alzheimer’s and Family Caregiver’s Month

NEW YORK, Nov. 02, 2016 -- Olympic gold medalist, Jeff Henderson, is using his notoriety to make a difference. Trading the medal podium for a chair, Henderson is helping to advocate for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and letting caregivers know they are not alone. In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, Henderson participated in a family caregiver panel discussion at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Concepts in Care conference in New York. Henderson’s mom, Debra, was diagnosed, in her late 40s, with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Henderson won the gold medal in long jump at this summer’s games in Rio de Janeiro. He dedicated the medal to his mom for the dedication, love and support she had given him all his life.

“In high school, I would practice until 8 or 9 at night,” Henderson said. “My mom was always there—she took me to track meets, practices—anywhere I needed to go. This disease affects everyone—not just my family, not just your family. It changes everything. We have to raise awareness and get people talking.” At the conference, which was free and open to family and professional caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Henderson shared the early signs of his mother’s illness, such as repeating herself and getting lost while driving. He also emphasized that caregivers are not alone. When his mother was first diagnosed, Henderson was a teenager and didn’t want to talk about it.  As he got older, he realized the importance of reaching out for support.

“Jeff is an outstanding individual, not only as an athlete, but as a caregiver and an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer.  “We are grateful to him for sharing his story and hope that it will encourage other families living with the illness to become advocates for much-needed research and additional caregiver supports.”

About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational conferences and materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers, the National Memory Screening Program, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

CONTACT: Sandy Silverstein
866-232-8484, ext. 104
[email protected]