Memories Matter — A.B.L.E. partners with ASG in fight to end Alzheimer’s

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Memories Matter — Fight to End Alzheimer’s” is the message of the participants at Monday’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Month of November “Wave” at Utulei organized by non-profit organization, Agency for Better Living Endeavors (A.B.L.E.).

The organization said in a Facebook posting that it has partnered with many ASG departments, agencies, and various local groups to “raise awareness on this debilitating condition within our communities.”

In his proclamation for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in American Samoa, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga points out that nearly 50 million people in the world “are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.”

And in American Samoa, the “Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) has an enrollment of thirty-seven members of the senior community who are reportedly showing signs of dementia, an increase from the previous year.”

The governor notes that ASG “recognizes the need for more resources for local residents to enable greater support of those living with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also an opportunity to promote and join the global conversation about the brain and Alzheimer’s disease as being a public health crisis.”

Furthermore, ASG recognizes that the responsibilities, duties and sacrifices made by those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia take an enormous toll on family members who often suffer more stress, depression, and health problems than caregivers of those with other illnesses.

Additionally, “it is important to honor and recognize the stories, strengths, compassion and efforts of the individuals, families, friends, and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the tireless work of the researchers who are seeking a cause and cure.”

Lemanu called on local residents “to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to support the individuals living with this disease and their caregivers by supporting and appreciating our loved ones with Alzheimer’s.”

Planned events by A.B.L.E are posted on its Facebook page as well as its website.

[photo: A.B.L.E Facebook]