The Alzheimer’s Association/ Rhode Island Chapter is proactive in helping the community through education, events and advocacy.
More than seven million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. There are more than 11 million family members and friends providing care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Rhode Island, there are more than 24,000 people living with the disease and 39,000 caregivers.
Executive Director Donna McGowan said that there are more advances happening with each passing day.
“What has been developed in the last 10-15 years has enabled people to live longer lives when signs are detected early,” said McGowan, who took over as executive director 15 years ago. “The Alzheimer’s Association has chapters nationwide; Rhode Island has one chapter, with seven employees. When someone calls from our (401) area code, they will speak to a Rhode Island representative.”
Here are a few examples of the outreach the Alzheimer’s Association pursues:
- A free, 24/7 helpline to call with any question about dementia, and to schedule a one-on-one care consultation. They can be reached at 800-272-3900.
- Offering no-cost education classes. Courses range from the “10 Warning Signs,” to help you understand when to take your memory concerns to a doctor, or to a class called “Effective Communications,” that assists caregivers with tips and tricks to communicate with someone living with dementia.
- The Association also provides professional training, and teaching classes for employees of companies, incorporating facts about how Alzheimer’s affects the workforce. To learn more about programs and support groups, you can go to alz.org/crf.
- They have robust advocacy efforts, both statewide and locally, with advocates and ambassadors sharing stories with lawmakers, to effect change.
- The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest non-profit funder of research in the world. They are presently funding four Rhode Island researchers to the tune of $1.5 million.
- Money raised through events like the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” helps fund their helpline, their education programs, and critical research, to get closer to new treatments and a cure.
- Volunteers are the heart of their organization. Anyone may get involved with fundraising through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or The Longest Day. You could become a support group leader or community educator, an advocate, help with their diversity initiatives, and more.
- The Longest Day is a one-time, do-it-yourself fundraiser. It is held to honor caregivers who have the longest day every day. It is based around the longest day of the year, June 21, but can take place any day of the year. Do what you love: hold a bake sale, go for a hike, have a cookout, do yoga, hold a music livestream; the possibilities are endless. Visit
www.Alz.org/thelongestday for more details.
The Alzheimer’s Association, Rhode Island Chapter, is inviting families from all over the state to join the fight to end this disease by taking part in one of five Walk to End Alzheimer’s events, in 2024.
September 8th: Block Island, Fred Benson Beach
September 21st: Westerly, Misquamicut State Beach
September 22nd: Newport, Fort Adams State Park
September 28th: Northern Rhode Island, North Scituate Village
September 29th: Providence, Roger Williams State Park
McGowan said that the events bring together people, to help fight a common cause.
“The Providence Walk has between 3,000 and 4,000 participants. Newport has over 1,000 people attending, and the others each have hundreds attending. They form teams, or come by themselves, to raise money for additional research, programs, education, and advocacy. Our events are free (except for educational credits and certifications), and any community support is always accepted,” McGowan said.
Held nationally in more than 600 communities across the country, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness, and provides funding for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. On Walk day, people honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementias, with the poignant “Promise Garden” ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity, while fighting this disease.
“This is an exciting time in that we now have two FDA-approved treatments for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a great place to share experiences, resources, and see that you are not alone in navigating this disease,” McGowan said.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place in five locations across Rhode Island this September. The walks in Rhode Island hope to raise $800,000 this year.
Be a part of “Generation Hope!” Either start a team, join a team, or walk as an individual. Day-of registration for four of the walks is at 8:30 am. The Promise Garden ceremony begins at 10am, followed by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Registration for the Block Island Walk is set for 11am, with the ceremony starting at 12 noon.
To register for any of the walks online and receive the latest updates, visit www.alz.org/ri/walk.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, and by early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Visit www.alz.org or call 800-272-3900 for more information.
