The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease & Care (GWF) is proud to announce that the first nationwide Early Onset Alzheimer’s Awareness Day will be recognized on September 14.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease affects people in their 30s through 60s, and there is no effective treatment or cure. This population is often overlooked because they are considered to be in the minority of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; however, the number of individuals believed to be living with early onset Alzheimer’s is estimated to be more than 500,000 people in the United States. The challenges they face are numerous, as programs, long-term care facilities, and financial assistance are often structured for individuals older than 65 years of age.

Through the creation of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, we strive to raise awareness for this affected population as we work to increase programs and services specifically geared to those impacted by this disease. We also intend to recognize the unique challenges that individuals and families impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s disease endure.

The date for Early Onset Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, September 14, was chosen in loving memory of Gayle Wells, who died from the disease on this date in 2011. The GWF was created in Gayle’s honor to provide education, training, support, and care to those living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, their care partners, families, and friends.

The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides one-on-one support, care planning, education and training for individuals, care partners, children, and the community, at no cost.

If you would like more information about the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care, please contact Laura Sutherland, Founder & Executive Director, at 832-470-9526 or laura@gaylewells.org.

The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) is establishing an end-of-life doula program that will allow us to provide non-medical care, support, guidance, and comfort to people dying from early onset Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to their families.  Sadly, too many people with Alzheimer’s disease die alone and they have not been given the opportunity to express their end of life wishes.   Death is viewed as taboo in our society and something no one wants to talk about, yet it is the only thing we all have in common.   There is no question that death is frightening, sad, and a very dark and emotional time, but it can also be a time to show love, honor, forgiveness, and support to the dying individual that touched so many lives.

The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF)  believes people should be given the opportunity to reflect on their lives and explore the legacy and meaning of their time on this earth.  We also believe people have the right to express wishes for their death and be surrounded and supported by their loved ones when that time comes.   In addition to guiding our patients and families through their journey with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, we will also be able to continue our guidance and support through end-of-life.  We do not take this responsibility lightly and we consider this a tremendous honor.  We will begin offering this service in August/September and volunteer trainings will begin in early summer.

If you would like to receive updates on our end-of-life doula program, please sign up for our mailing list by clicking here.  We also encourage you to share this information with your friends and communities.

Laura Sutherland
Founder & Executive Director