Navigating an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: A Daughter’s Journey Through Caregiving and Advocacy

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

When Lynnea Hutton heard the words, “There’s nothing more to do,” after her mother Roslyn Greene’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she felt a mix of shock and frustration. She knew from experience that those words weren’t true. Alzheimer’s had already left a tragic mark on her family—her grandfather had passed from the disease, and her aunt had been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

For Hutton, this wasn’t the end of the road. It was just the beginning of a difficult but important journey—one filled with advocacy, research, and support.

Finding Hope Beyond the Diagnosis

Many families facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis feel lost, uncertain of what comes next. Hutton, however, took action. On a friend’s recommendation, she reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association, a decision she now believes was one of the most important steps in navigating her mother’s condition.

That call led to:
✅ Support groups for both Hutton and her mother’s primary caregiver, John.
✅ Educational resources on treatment options and disease progression.
✅ Fundraising opportunities like the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where Hutton raises money for research and awareness.

By taking these steps, she turned fear and uncertainty into a proactive plan—something every caregiver can benefit from.

A Family’s Battle with Alzheimer’s: The Emotional Toll

For Hutton’s family, Alzheimer’s isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a family legacy.

She remembers being a teenager and watching her grandmother struggle to care for her grandfather as his condition worsened. It was heartbreaking. She saw firsthand how emotionally and physically exhausting caregiving can be, and she knew that planning ahead was crucial.

Her mother, Roslyn, had long feared inheriting the disease. When the diagnosis came, it was devastating—but not unexpected. The family immediately sought a second opinion, hoping to explore every available treatment option.

Exploring Treatment and Medication Options

Early intervention is key in Alzheimer’s, and Hutton’s mother was prescribed Aricept to help manage symptoms. However, like many Alzheimer’s patients, she struggled with side effects.

Now, the family is researching new FDA-approved medications that may help slow the progression of the disease. Hutton remains hopeful that these emerging treatments will offer a better quality of life for her mother.

"This is not a disease where you just accept the diagnosis and do nothing. We have to advocate, research, and explore every option available." — Lynnea Hutton

The Hidden Toll of Caregiving

Navigating Insurance and Workplace Challenges

Hutton is the Vice President of People & Culture for the University of Colorado Foundation, so she understands insurance benefits and workplace policies better than most. But even with her expertise, she has struggled to help her mother and stepfather navigate the complex healthcare system.

"We don’t realize how hard it is to plan for caregiving until we’re in it. Medical leave is not enough. Long-term care insurance often falls short. Few companies are really prepared for what this means for employees."

Why Employers Need to Do More

Companies often accommodate new parents or employees caring for sick children. But caregiving for aging parents is a different challenge—one that is becoming more common as the population ages.

Hutton believes workplaces need to:
✅ Offer more flexible leave policies for caregivers.
✅ Educate employees about long-term care planning before they’re in crisis mode.
✅ Provide mental health support for employees balancing work and caregiving.

For caregivers juggling full-time jobs, raising children, and managing an aging parent’s care, the stress can be overwhelming. Workplace policies need to evolve to meet this growing reality.

The Higher Risk for Black Americans

Hutton’s family’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease is not just personal—it’s also part of a larger, systemic health disparity.

Alzheimer’s Risk and Health Inequities

Research shows that:

• Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to develop Alzheimer’s.
• Hispanic Americans are 50% more likely to develop the disease.

Scientists believe higher rates of cardiovascular disease—including high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke—may contribute to these disparities. Social and economic factors, such as unequal access to healthcare and preventative screenings, also play a role.

Hutton’s advocacy isn’t just for her mother—it’s for all families facing Alzheimer’s, particularly those in underserved communities.

Staggering Facts About Alzheimer’s Caregiving

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is emotionally and financially draining. Here’s what the numbers show:

• In 2023, 11.5 million family caregivers in the U.S. provided 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $346.6 billion.

• Volunteer caregivers provide an average of 31 hours of care per week—over 1,600 hours per year.

• By 2024, the cost of professional Alzheimer’s care in the U.S. was projected to reach $360 billion.

These figures don’t even account for the emotional, mental, and physical toll on families. The need for better support, research, and resources has never been greater.

How to Find Help: Alzheimer’s Association Resources

If you or someone you love is facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you’re not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association offers:

24/7 Helpline: Call 800-272-3900 for expert guidance.
Educational programs: Learn about treatment, caregiving, and financial planning.
Support groups: Find a community of caregivers who understand your journey.
Fundraising events: Join initiatives like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s to support research and advocacy.

Hutton’s family found hope and direction through these resources, and she encourages others to reach out as soon as they receive a diagnosis.

A Journey of Love and Advocacy

For Hutton, caring for her mother is both a challenge and a calling. She is determined to:
✔️ Support her mother’s care with love and advocacy.
✔️ Raise awareness about the realities of Alzheimer’s caregiving.
✔️ Push for workplace changes that recognize the needs of caregivers.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey or deep in the caregiving trenches, remember: You are not alone, and there is help available. 💜

Get Involved & Learn More

Visit alz.org for resources and support.
Call 800-272-3900 for 24/7 help.
Join a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in your area.

Together, we can fight for a cure, support caregivers, and make life better for those living with Alzheimer’s.

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