According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are currently more than seven million people in the United States alone who are living with the devastating disease. But Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact those with the illness, but also takes an emotional and financial toll on caregivers.

In this segment of SCVTV’s Community Corner, we sit with Walk to End Alzheimer’s volunteers Melanie Parson and her mom, Marlene Olivastro, who shared their personal connection to the disease and reflect on the long-term effect Alzheimer’s had on their family.

Olivastro’s mom, Dolores Olivastro, suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s for 10 years, which was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Parson, Dolores’ granddaughter, fondly remembers the close bond she had with her grandmother and recounts what she was like before the disease took hold. Olivastro discussed the mental and physical strain of being a caregiver, even after Dolores was moved to a long-term care facility.

Parson also offered a glimpse of the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where proceeds will help raise awareness and funds for vital Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bridgeport Park, located at 23670 Newhall Ranch Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91355. The Walk site will open at 8 a.m.

Residents can also take part by dining at The Local Pub and Grill through the month of September, where a portion of the proceeds from its charity burger, ale and specialty cocktail will be donated to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

For more information on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or if you’d like to donate, visit https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2025/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?fr_id=18442&pg=entry.

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