It’s a bright, cloudless day and more than 2,100 people have gathered at Magic Island in Honolulu with one goal: To end Alzheimer’s. This year’s walk, the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual event that aims to raise awareness about this debilitating disease, is especially meaningful for Mark Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., CEO of HMSA. “My mother is in a memory center,” he says. “I'm lucky that she remembers who I am, but you feel like you lost something. She lost all the memories that have gone.”
Dr. Mugiishi at the Walk to End Alzheimer'
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans age 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s. This continues to be a growing concern for our senior ohana, with more than 100,000 local kupuna affected by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Fortunately, the Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help.
“The walk and other initiatives the Alzheimer's Association champions allow us to really move the needle in research, in care and support, and in public policy. And because of that, we now can prevent this disease,” says LJ R. Duenas, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association. “We now can even slow it down, and in the last year, we served over 6,000 families throughout the state. It’s no longer a matter of if we find a cure, but when.”
Duenas discussing this important event.
Of course, it’s not just the individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s who are affected. Entire families can become full-time caretakers, which can often lead to added stress for those unable to afford a caregiver. Duenas and his staff see that issue firsthand statewide, and have made moves to care for those who give care as well.
"Our programs really support caregivers and we are launching new services to support those who are living with this disease,” says Duenas. “We’re grateful that we have this opportunity because the funds that we raise through the walk and other ways means that we can give back to the community.”
Ultimately, Alzheimer’s continues to be a severe disease. But nonprofits like the Alzheimer’s Association as well as HMSA are here to make a difference, one step at a time.
An impressive turnout.
“It's such a debilitating disease. It affects the person who actually has it and it affects their entire family infrastructure,” says Dr. Mugiishi. “So, since our mission is to improve the lives of our members and the health of Hawaii, combating a disease like this is core to what we are.”
Check out the walk and hear from participants in this video:
Learn more about Alzheimer’s
alzheimer’s and brain awareness month
More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. In observance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, we asked HMSA Supportive Care Medical Director Toby Smith, D.O., who’s board certified in internal medicine, hospice/palliative medicine, and geriatrics, to answer some questions about this disease that affects 55 million people worldwide. We also talked to Alzheimer's Association – Hawaii Executive Director LJ R. Duenas to find out how the organization supports those with Alzheimer’s and their families.
another look at alzheimer’s and dementia
Read a firsthand account about dementia and find out what you can do to support a loved one experiencing cognitive decline.
pbs hawaii’s kakou town hall tackles alzheimer’s
In January, PBS Hawaii hosted a KAKOU town hall discussion on Alzheimer’s, which affects nearly 100,000 kupuna and others in Hawaii. Hear what experts and members of the community shared about what Alzheimer’s is, preventive measures, caregiving tips, and where to find resources on this important topic. PBS Hawaii has been hosting the KAKOU town hall series since 2017, encouraging lively discussion and inclusive conversation on topics of interest to the community.
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