The 65-Second Clock: A Mother's Walk Amid Seven Million Diagnoses

Every 65 seconds, somewhere in the United States, a person receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This relentless pace underscores the scale of a crisis that now affects more than seven million Americans. The statistic translates to roughly one in nine individuals aged 65 and older. Each new case represents a distinct family narrative, marked by both loss and the ongoing effort to adapt to the condition.

Saturday’s annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fayetteville will draw hundreds of participants, many of whom are connected to the disease through personal experience. Among them is Amy Hamby of Erwin, who is approaching the event with a dual perspective. She is walking not only in memory of her late father but also as a current patient managing early-stage symptoms. Her participation highlights the generational link that often characterizes the condition.

The story of Hamby’s family began in 2008 with the death of her father. The family had affectionately known him as "Poppy," a nickname that Hamby now wears on her shirt for the upcoming walk. At the time of his passing, the family did not fully grasp the hereditary nature of the illness. Hamby, a nurse by profession, noted that she had no awareness that her father carried the specific gene responsible for the disease, nor did she realize she might have inherited it as well.

Hamby was officially diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s in 2024 at the age of 59. For a period following her father’s death, she attributed her emerging symptoms to the lingering effects of a previous viral infection, a common explanation widely discussed during that era. It was only a couple of years later that she questioned her own cognitive changes, prompting further medical investigation. She described that realization as the moment she understood something was fundamentally different from a temporary post-viral state.

Subsequent testing revealed that Hamby carries two copies of the APOE-4 gene. This genetic marker is a significant risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s. While possessing a single copy can elevate a person's risk by two to three times, having two copies can increase that risk by as much as 10 to 15 times. This specific genetic profile now influences her medical decision-making and treatment outlook.

Hamby is currently awaiting approved therapies for her condition. She acknowledges that these treatments carry considerable risks for her specifically because of her double gene copies. Despite these potential hazards, she views the path as worthwhile. She has stated that she is waiting for the treatments, recognizing that while they are risky given her genetic profile, the potential benefits justify the step.

Daily life requires adjustment, and Hamby sometimes asks her children to repeat questions. However, she maintains a sense of normalcy through her lifelong passion for cooking. She frequently browses a cookbook filled with family recipes, using it to reconnect with fond memories and to share meals with her loved ones. These small rituals provide a sense of continuity and connection in her daily routine.

Since receiving her diagnosis, Hamby has expanded her role from patient to advocate. She has traveled to Raleigh to work on legislation that supports Alzheimer’s research and care. Her advocacy is driven by a desire to maximize the quality of the years she expects to spend with her children. She emphasizes her intention to live life to the fullest during this period.

The walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Segra Stadium. Registration remains open for those wishing to participate or show support. The event serves as a public gathering for a community facing a growing health challenge, bringing together those directly impacted by the disease and those standing in solidarity with them.