For Lenoir City resident Karen Lawrence, each moment with her mother, Mary Jarnagin, is a blessing from God -  a treasure for which she gives thanks regularly.

Each day still brings sweet-natured smiles Lawrence's way from her mother, although Jarnagin, 83, increasingly acts more like the child, and Lawrence assumes more of a parental role.

No matter. In the 12 years since Jarnagin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, the elder woman has faced and survived cancer. She has dealt with the loss of her lifetime companion and husband of 59 years and the necessity for moving from the two-story colonial dream home they had shared.

Through all the challenges, smiling placidly, she has continued to care for others.

The fact Jarnagin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in its earliest stage has made all the difference, her daughter says. In fact, Lawrence attributes the family's quality of life today to a series of divine miracles, both small and large.

Alzheimer's was unexpected. The family had no history of the disease.

"My daddy 12 years ago noticed something wasn't right. Dad said to me, 'Your mom is forgetting more than she should.' I hadn't noticed it. It was not anything big or dangerous, but she kept repeating herself; she would forget her pocketbook...."

Lawrence searched for a neurologist, and found Dr. John Dougherty Jr., a University of Tennessee Medical Center neurologist and an expert on Alzheimer's Disease.

After extensive testing, Dougherty diagnosed Jarnagin with the disease and prescribed medication to delay the progression of symptoms.

"Mom was on medicine, and for six years hardly anybody knew about the Alzheimer's," Lawrence said.  "We didn't try to keep it secret but there was no need to tell it. She could drive, go to the beauty shop and run errands and go on trips. She has such a sweet spirit, and her personality never changed. She is the most happy, delightful person."

Guided by a strong Christian faith, the family continued to cope after Ray Jarnagin died five years ago. With loving, live-in caregivers on the premises, and Lawrence nearby, Jarnagin was able to remain in her familiar home after her husband's death.

A year ago, Lawrence began looking for assisted living care options, and discovered Morning Pointe before it opened, practically at the back door of her workplace, ORNL. She moved Jarnagin into the Memory Care wing in July. The facility had opened in April, offering The Lantern Alzheimer's care program in its memory care wing.

"If I could get a message out it would be this: Even if you have a suspicion or thought that they are forgetting, take them to have them tested and start medications as soon as possible."

Diane Woods was well acquainted with effects of Alzheimer's Disease long before her mother, Eleanor Bartholomew, began to exhibit symptoms. Through the years, she had seen it claim the lives of many family members - aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents. 

"My parents both had it, 10 years apart," Woods says. "When mother first started showing symptoms, we didn't know if it was the stress of taking care of my dad..."

After her husband's death, Bartholomew went to an assisted living facility in Florida for awhile. In July, Woods brought her back to Lenoir City, and Morning Pointe.

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disorder that robs the sufferer of memory, eventually rendering them incapable of basic self-care ability. Some people decline faster than others. The medical community now understands that Alzheimer's Disease, once called "Old-Timers," is not a normal part of aging.

Woods said dealing with the disease has taught her to focus on the present, rather than past or future. Take things one day at a time, she said.

"Mama lives exactly in the moment. Everybody needs to make the most of everything they do and be thankful for every bit of time. For Woods, the assisted living facility has been an answer to a prayer.

A secure facility can offer protection from wandering, and allow the caregiver to relax, knowing they are safe.

Paula Craven, Morning Pointe Lantern Program director, said many Alzheimer's patients  are "exit seekers" who feel they are not where they are supposed to be, and attempt to escape and return the familiar place they remember at the end of the day. 

"Sundowners may attempt to wander off and may not be safe. You have to be on guard 24/7 with it,"  Craven said. "A lot of time, families are looking at trying to care for their loved ones at home and it is overwhelming. They may not have the support they need. A facility like this can allow them to give up the caregiver role and be more like a daughter or son."

Although it takes new residents on the memory care wing awhile to adjust and settle in, Woods said having others in a similar situation and understanding caregivers eased the transition. Supervision, structure and guidance were provided at the Lantern.

"It was reassuring to mother after the first few days," Woods said. "I feel it has given back time for us."

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease that robs sufferers of memory, eventually rendering them incapable of basic self-care. While presently there is no cure, medications are available that may slow progression. Still, family members may not be able to care for an Alzheimer's patient indefinitely, and when professional care becomes necessary, the family members should not feel guilty for seeking that help, said Pat Caron, Morning Pointe director.

"It is hard on families to place their loved ones in assisted living," Caron said.  "We tell families that making a decision to ask for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of love. Still, it is exceptionally difficult for families to realize they cannot provide care anymore."

Kay Watson, director of public relations and special programs for the Alzheimer's Association of East Tennessee, said 22,000 individuals and their families are affected by Alzheimer's Disease in this area. East Tennessee is an area where double-digit growth in percentages is projected for the coming decade.

The good news is that advances are being made in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, Watson said. "With Alzheimer's research, 90 percent of what we know about Alzheimer's Disease, we have learned in the last decade," Watson said. "We have drugs in the pipeline, in clinical trials, that give us a lot of hope."

The Alzheimer's Association conducts research, and holds a research symposium in Knoxville for primary care physicians and assisted living facility administrators. Also, continuing education seminars are presented for health care workers, and support for families and caregivers.

A support network is important to families of Alzheimer's patients.  Health care workers say this disease affects loved ones as much as - or more than - the patient.

Woods said, "You have to keep upbeat. A lot of time you have to laugh to keep from crying. Look for things to help you through."

An Alzheimer's support group meets  at Morning Pointe the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.  Respite care is provided. The group is facilitated by Craven and Patricia Caron. 

The support group offers educational information for caregivers as well as emotional support.  Upcoming programs include Understanding Competency and Capacity in Older Adults; Managing Challenging Behaviors. For more information, call 865-988-7373.

Local assisted living centers are strong supporters of the Alzheimer's Association. Most are preparing for the upcoming Foothills Memory Walk. The annual fundraiser for Loudon, Blount and Monroe counties takes place Saturday, Oct. 24 at Maryville College.

Last year, the walk drew 624 participants and raised $136,000. This year, the goal is $147,000 and 675 participants. For more information about the Foothills Memory Walk or the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org.