Cancer Coalition’s Brain Health Fair continues this week

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition’s (ASCCC) Puipui Malu Manatu (PMM) research program, in partnership with Natives Engaged in Alzheimer’s Research (NEAR) program, is continuing its series of Brain Health Fairs in efforts to understand and ensure brain health within the Pacific population.

The Brain Health Fair is a novel hands-on, highly interactive educational workshop that includes activities, surveys, and exercises assessing an individual’s memory and thinking.  

Little is known about how Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) impact Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations; therefore, PMM and NEAR are working collaboratively to investigate and understand the causes of ADRD and how it can best be prevented, detected, and treated in our populations. This collaboration also aims to determine the role of genetic risk factors in ADRD prevalence within the Pacific populations. 

To participate, individuals must be 50 years or older, of Pacific ancestry, must provide consent, and be willing to give a blood sample. The Brain Health Fair is open to all individuals that meet these qualifications, and opened last week Friday. Fair days, locations and times for this week are:

• March 6, 2023, at the DYWA in Pago Pago from 9 am to 1 pm 

• March 7, 2023, at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) from 9 am to 1 pm 
• March 8, 2023, at the ASCC MPC from 9 am to 1 pm 
• March 9, 2023, at the ASCC MPC from 9 am to 1 pm 

Upon completion of all activities, exercises, and collection of blood samples, participants will receive refreshments, a SWAG Bag and $60 stipend.

PMM and NEAR are working in partnership with the University of Miami, the University of California, San Francisco, the Brigham Young University, and the University of Hawaii, Manoa, to conduct the research effectively and appropriately in our communities. The PMM and NEAR consist of native scientists and researchers passionate about raising awareness about brain health and ensuring cognitive functionality in our populations. 

For more information, please contact 699-0110, 272-5374, or 272-5833.