There is still time to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, the Alzheimer’s Association — Aloha Chapter, will be hosting its annual Memory Walk 2006. This
There is still time to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, the Alzheimer’s Association — Aloha Chapter, will be hosting its annual Memory Walk 2006.
This national signature event for the Alzheimer’s Association brings together family, friends, caregivers and concerned community members who want to make a difference.
There is still time to register for the event by either calling the Kaua‘i office of Alzheimer’s Association at 245-3200, or visit the Alzheimer’s Association Web site at www.alz.org/hawaii/ to register online.
The walk is just a part of the national celebration of November’s designation as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, an event that earned Jill Ramsey, the Alzheimer’s Association Outreach and Education Coordinator, a mayoral proclamation.
In the proclamation, the Alzheimer’s Association is recognized as the leading donor-supported voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support.
An estimated 28,000 people in Hawai‘i struggle with the devastating effects of this progressive and irreversible neurological disorder, the proclamation states.
Ramsey said because Kaua‘i has a greater proportion of aging people here, she estimates about 1,500 Kaua‘i residents are patients.
Since its inception in 1982, the Alzheimer’s Association -Aloha Chapter is the primary organization in Hawai‘i dedicated solely to providing help and hope to persons with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and caregivers, the proclamation states.
This is done through providing reliable information and care consultation, the creation of supportive services for individuals, caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and its related disorders.
A Kaua‘i office has been established in Lihu‘e, and more information and material will also be available at the Memory Walk 2006, Saturday.
According to the national Alzheimer’s Association Web site, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Instead, it is a progressive and fatal disease attacking the brain with someone being diagnosed every 72 seconds.
There is no current cure for Alzheimer’s, the Wed site states. However, drug and non-drug treatments may help with some of the symptoms of the disease.
The aim of Alzheimer’s Association is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
For more information, call 245-3200, or visit the Alzheimer’s Association — Aloha Chapter Web site at: www.alz.or/hawaii/.
