When you think of the Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS, what comes to mind? Children’s programming, classical music, and period piece entertainment? However, PBS Hawaii is so much more. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to connecting the community and leading meaningful discussions on a variety of topics, including the history and future of our islands.
That’s why, since 2017, PBS Hawaii has hosted a live town hall series, KAKOU. “We host these town halls as it’s an effective way to engage with our community, facilitate dialogue, and address important issues,” says Chuck Parker, vice president of content at PBS Hawaii. “It encourages civic engagement across numerous demographics – age, gender, ethnic groups, and industries – and fosters a sense of connection and community in a safe space to discuss shared concerns and goals to promote problem-solving and awareness.”
In January, the station hosted a panel to discuss Alzheimer’s, which affects nearly 100,000 kupuna and others in Hawaii. “We hoped that a show on this topic helped to raise awareness and reduce stigma as it affects our aging population. It also created a space to provide resources to caregivers,” says Parker. “We invited viewers to learn from experts and others about this sensitive and challenging topic and to ask questions that foster more discussion.”
Find out what experts and members of the community shared at the town hall about what Alzheimer’s is, preventative measures, caregiving tips, and where to find resources on this important topic.
The challenges of Alzheimer’s
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Hawaii has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the nation. “On average, we live past 80,” Yunji De Nies, PBS Hawaii KAKOU moderator, says. “With age can come wisdom and great joy, but increased age is also the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s.”
When asked to share what a typical patient profile looks like, L.J. Duenas, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, says, “Women are at a higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s, maybe because women live longer. Over 80% of those who have it are over the age of 75.”
(l-r) Kathy Wyatt, L.J. Duenas, and Tani Salazar
Alzheimer’s explained
According to Gina Fujikami, M.D., an internist with The Queen’s Health Systems who specializes in geriatric medicine, Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. “It typically happens more as we get older; some of it can be genetic, but sometimes it just happens for no good reason at all,” she says. “Patients start to lose their short-term memory, long-term memory, and eventually, physical functioning as well.”
(l-r) Tani Salazar and Dr. Gina Fujikami
Prevention is key
Kazuma Nakagawa, M.D., chief of the neurology division at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and co-founder of the Brain Health Applied Research Institute, says that the preventive measures we take to decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack can also help with the risk of Alzheimer’s. “Lowering your blood pressure, getting enough sleep, incorporating a healthy diet, and lowering your cholesterol,” he says, “have been linked to lower risk of dementia.”
In addition, Dr. Nakagawa stresses that exercise is very important. “Exercise is probably the most powerful way to keep your brain healthy,” he says. “Exercise promotes neuroplasticity, or our ability for the brain to change and rewire neurons, that can extend dendrites, which are all these roots and tentacles and branches that can form and make new connections, and that's how we create and keep memories.”
Dr. Nakagawa mentioned checking your Brain Care Score, which you can find online, to see how well you care for your brain and how to improve your brain health.
Caregivers: Don’t forget yourself
The town hall featured two caregivers, Jennifer Oyer and Pokii Balaz, DNP. Oyer’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in late 2023. “It’s been an interesting journey, meeting various doctors and creating the team she needs for support,” she says. “I’m so grateful for all the information and resources the Alzheimer’s Association provided for me and my family.” Oyer also leans on her family for support. “My dad, of course, pitches in and does a lot of the caregiving, as well as my brother,” she says. “And anytime we need respite, we know who to call, like aunties and uncles, and they come over and help with meals. It’s definitely a team effort.”
(l-r) Dr. Victoria Hanes and Jennifer Oyer
Balaz shared that she’s been caregiving for her father for two decades. “My father is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s,” she says. ”It’s been a long journey.” As a caregiver, she spends a lot of time coordinating services to make sure her father’s needs are met. “Everything revolves around him and it’s been an honor and a privilege,” she says. “But as caregivers, we also need to remember to take care of ourselves.”
Knowledge is power
Kathleen Wyatt, president of the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, says that one of the biggest challenges for families dealing with Alzheimer’s is not knowing where to turn and not knowing that there are resources out there for them. “I do my best to let them know what’s available,” she says. “But another challenge is that they don’t know what’s coming next. Education is really important for that.”
Here are a few resources:
- AARP Hawaii
- Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter
- Catholic Charities Hawaii – Dementia Resources
- Hawaii Department of Health Executive Office on Aging
- Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Memory Disorders Center Alzheimer’s Research Unit
- HMSA Kupuna Caregiver Guide
- Kokua Mau – Advanced Dementia Resources and Issues
- Kupuna Care Pair
Stay tuned
So far, PBS Hawaii has hosted 19 KAKOU town hall events covering tourism, social media, artificial intelligence, climate change, and more. The upcoming town hall on Feb. 27 will discuss sports concussions. To watch past episodes or to learn more, visit their website.
More brain health, longevity, and caregiving
Read about how you can strengthen your brain health, improve longevity, or learn about caregiving.
- another look at alzheimer’s and dementia
- alzheimer's and brain awareness month
- brain boosting effects of bilingualism
- compassionate caregiving
- dementia: is forgetfulness normal?
- eight ways to live a long, healthy life
- understanding dementia
Photos courtesy PBS Hawaii
