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"It was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life, but it was also one of the best."

That's how Merrill Cook describes his role as primary caregiver to his wife Camille, who eight years ago was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Alzheimer's. Camille passed away in January of 2015, and while providing care became increasingly difficult as her condition worsened, Merrill described it as a labor of love.

"Feeding her, caring for her, cleaning her, washing her, all of those things were pleasant in my opinion. They really were," he said. "With someone you really love, you tend to enjoy thoseā€¦things, and I loved her very much."

Approximately 142,000 family members and friends provide primary care for the 29,000 Utahns diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and they are undoubtedly unsung heroes, balancing full time work and personal responsibilities with caring for their loved one.

But the physical, mental and emotional toll this takes negatively affects their health. The impact is so significant that a $26 Million increase has been allocated to Medicaid and Medicare annually in the State of Utah for Alzheimer's caregivers.

It's why the Alzheimer's Association focuses its efforts not only on providing support for those with the disease, but for caregivers as well.

"We strongly encourage them to take advantage of some of the resources we offer," Executive Director for the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association Ronnie Daniel said. "Our caregiver support group provides a great opportunity for them to share with and learn from other caregivers, some of the methods they are using in dealing with their loved ones. And for those who don't have the time to come in, there's plenty of information available on our website," he said.

To date, the Association's Utah chapter has provided support to thousands of Utahns living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. For caregivers, in addition to support groups and online resources, this also includes educational programs and conferences.

The service, said Merrill is invaluable.

"They are spectacularly wonderful people to really help caregivers," he said. "They certainly help people with the Alzheimer's and Camille enjoyed attending and participating in the group activities, but they were also a tremendous help to me, and for that, I am eternally grateful to them."

In memory of Camille and to say thank you to the Alzheimer's Association, Utah Chapter, Merrill will lead "Team Camille" one of several teams walking to end Alzheimer's during the months of August, September and November. An estimated 3,000 people will be participating in one or more of five walks scheduled to take place on August 29th, September 12th, 19th, 26th and November 14th. Participants will be walking in teams of any size to show their support for a loved one battling Alzheimer's, or in memory of a loved one who succumbed to the disease. They will also be raising much needed awareness of the disease, which affects one in every nine Utahns 65 and older.

Donations made at registration will be used to aid the Association's efforts of finding a cure and continuing to support those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers here in Utah.

"You certainly are on the frontline in this battle, and we want to partner with you and help you to provide the care and support for your loved one that they deserve," Daniel said. "But we also have to say thank you, because you have been a tremendous support to the Alzheimer's Association in our mission to find a cure for this disease."

For more information about the walks and how you can participate, please visit: http://www.alz.org/walk.