National Healthcare Corporation held the Boutique Madness event Saturday, its goal both to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s.

There were a total of 19 booths on site. Vendors sold items such as clothes, candles, dog treats, essential oil, make up and purses. The event raised $1,600 for Alzheimer’s research and treatment.

Alzheimer is a top killer for people ages 50 and up. The disease attacks the brain and forces it to shut down.  This shut down eventually leads to death. Amber Judkins, Chairman of Boutique Madness, has first-hand experience with the disease.

“My grandmother had Alzheimer and I take care of patients with the disease,” she revealed. “We hope today’s event makes the community aware of the disease that is undermined.”

Some indicators of the disease include the individual may experience memory loss that disrupts daily life. There may be challenges in planning or solving problems. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. The patient may have confusion with time or place. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. New problems with words in speaking or writing. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. The patient may have decreased or poor judgement. The disease causes one to withdrawal from work or social activities. One may also experience changes in mood and personality.

Similar to the warning signs of the disease, support is extremely important.

“NHC is very supportive of Boutique in the aspect that they want to make the event an annual operation. They let us use their facility.” Judkins said. “People at NHC wanted to raise money for the disease similar to the relay for life which is for cancer patients. I thought up the idea other people were supportive. That’s how Saturday’s event became reality.”