Nurse Carries 15 Times Higher Risk in Fayetteville Walk

Amy Hamby will walk in Fayetteville on Saturday with two copies of a gene that multiplies her risk of Alzheimer's disease.

The 59-year-old nurse from Erwin carries two copies of the APOE-4 gene. Medical data indicates that one copy raises a person's risk by two to three times. Two copies can increase that risk by 10 to 15 times. Hamby was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's in 2024.

She attributes her late realization to the widespread confusion about post-pandemic symptoms. She believed her early signs were just COVID brain fog. It took two years before she questioned that assumption.

Hamby is walking in memory of her father, whom the family called Poppy. He died in 2008. She did not know he carried the gene when he passed. She also did not know she inherited it. She plans to wear a Team Poppy shirt during the event.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's expects hundreds of participants at Segra Stadium. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. The disease affects more than seven million Americans. That number represents roughly one in nine people age 65 and older. A new diagnosis is made in the country every 65 seconds.

Hamby is currently waiting for approved treatments. She notes that these therapies carry higher risks for patients with two APOE-4 copies. She believes the potential benefit is worth the risk.

Her daily life includes moments where she asks her children to repeat questions. She continues to cook meals using a family recipe book. She has also traveled to Raleigh to advocate for legislation supporting Alzheimer's research and care. Registration for the walk is open to the public.