As Alzheimer’s disease grows as a public health crisis in Hawaii and around the world, doctors, scientists and researchers continue the search for a cause and cure.
According to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, the disease currently has been diagnosed in about 31,200 people in Hawaii — about 3,000 more than in 2020 — and 6.7% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.
One of the ways the association sustains the fight against the disease is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is held annually in more than 600 communities in the nation.
Hawaii Island Walk Chair Renae Akau joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Aloha Chapter in 2019 while she watched her grandmother, Christina Kaleimomi Manusina Tuiasasopo-Andrews, battle the disease.
“Seeing this strong woman weaken and her memory fade motivated me to join the fight for a cure,” Akau said. “I could not sit back and do nothing as this disease ripped families apart and tore loved ones away from the only world they ever knew.”
Back when she was a volunteer for the association, Akau was glad to see how much it had accomplished in the community, with support groups for families, friends and caregivers, and a hotline for anyone who needs help.
“As a committee volunteer in the early days, I was pleasantly surprised by all the good work the association was already doing in our community,” Akau said. “I was saddened to hear how many people had this disease and equally saddened to hear of the thousands of self-less caregivers who sacrificed their own health and well-being to care for a loved one.”
As her grandmother’s condition worsened over time, Akau’s mother, who was her grandmother’s caregiver, had to make the decision to place her in a care home.
“It was devastating to see my grandmother put into foreign surroundings and to watch my mom, riddled with guilt and despair, visit her faithfully,” Akau said. “I knew I had to continue my volunteer work with the association and I had to try to make a difference.”
Akau later became the chair of the Hawaii Island Alzheimer’s walk and persevered through the virtual and hybrid events of the COVID-19 pandemic by continually shattering goals, which includes becoming the first neighbor island to raise over $100,000 last year.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished and the difference we have made in our fight against Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia,” Akau said. “The association continues to serve Hawaii Island with robust care programs and a dedicated team of individuals who have been touched by Alzheimer’s and serve alongside me and our community in our fight for a brighter future.”
Although her grandmother passed away over the summer, Akau this year will lead the Hawaii Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the fifth time, with inspiration from the fearless woman who helped guide her through life.
The 2024 Hawaii Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s will begin rain or shine with an opening ceremony at 8 a.m. and the walk at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo.
In-person registration will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Every participant must register and sign a standard waiver before the walk. While registration is free, participants are asked to make a donation and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Volunteers are still needed for set-up, clean-up, registration, water stops, the Promise Garden and more. For information about the event, to volunteer and for online registration, visit alz.org/hawaiiwalk.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
