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.
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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