COUNTY LIFE
Memories fade, love abides – Janet McMurray attempts to savor each moment as Alzheimer’s slowly steals her husband
By BARBARA GREEN
Each day when Janet McMurray sees her husband, Clyde, she says “I am Janet your wife, I love you.”
Not uncommon, but it’s different for Janet because her husband of 54 years may not recognize her that day because he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
One in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia. One in three seniors dies with the disease or another dementia.
It accounts for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. An estimated 5.3 million people are suffering with the disease.
It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death in the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented.
Alzheimer’s disease was first identified more than 100 years ago, but research into its symptoms, causes and risk factors and treatment has gained momentum only in the last 30 years. Research has revealed a great deal, but much is still left to be learned about the precise cause of Alzheimer’s and why it progresses at different rates among affected individuals, and how it can be prevented, slowed or stopped.
The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is advanced age, and while age is the greatest risk factor, it is not a normal part of aging and is not sufficient to cause the disease. Individuals who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease than those who do not have a first degree relative.
Janet and Clyde McMurray on their wedding day July 22, 1961. (Courtesy photo)
The McMurray’s fell in love while attending Texas Christian University and wed in summer of 1961. They both enjoyed careers as educators and were looking forward to travel adventure after they retired. Fate has dealt them a cruel hand as Clyde is a victim of Alzheimer’s the same disease that took his mother.
Read the full feature on Janet and Clyde McMurray as the couple battles Alzheimer’s Disease in your weekend News.
Pictured: Janet and Clyde McMurray on one of their last European River Cruise as they enjoy a turn on the dance floor.
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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