There are more than 3,000 community members on Hawaii Island suffering from some form of dementia and many more who exhibit increasing forgetfulness.
There are more than 3,000 community members on Hawaii Island suffering from some form of dementia and many more who exhibit increasing forgetfulness.
The person struggles with this condition, wrestling with anger, suspicion, misunderstandings, isolation, confusion and an inability to cope.
For family members who attempt to accommodate but get lost in the ensuing quagmire of “what is happening” and the grief process, the Alzheimer’s Association is there to help with free services to the community throughout the year.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides monthly support groups, counseling for family members, information and referral, in addition to regularly scheduled presentations titled “What is Dementia,” “Legal Aspects of Dementia,” “Communication and Behaviors in Dementia” and “Living With Alzheimer’s.”
The various services provided cost money but there is no cost to the family. The Alzheimer’s Association relies on various grants as well as funds received from the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
This year’s Alzheimer’s Association walk is at 8 a.m. Sept. 16 at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Registration starts at 7 a.m.
Organizers are encouraging teams of walkers from churches, agencies, businesses, neighborhoods and family members to participate. To register as an individual or team, visit www.alz.org/walk.
The Alzheimer’s Association welcomes participants to walk in memory of those who have suffered from dementia.
“Who in our community has not been touched by someone who has suffered from some form of dementia or confusion?” asks Chris Ridley, Alzheimer’s Association program coordinator for Hawaii Island, who will be walking in memory of her father.
For more information, call Ridley at 443-7360 or email ridley0428@gmail.com.