Punialavaa live on stage for Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Joining with the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE) to draw attention to Alzheimer's Disease, ASTCA is stepping up to help present the music group that has brought Samoan music to families around the world for over 50 years.

"We are grateful to partner with ABLE to support bringing Punialavaa one of Samoa's oldest and most loved groups of all time for our community to enjoy. Family Values and Importance of caring for our elderly and those in need is part of our Samoan culture and part of ASTCA's commitment to our community," ASTCA CEO Chuck Leota said.  

ASTCA's support has made it possible for Punialavaa to be in American Samoa during the week of Thanksgiving  for a corporate event on November 23 and a free benefit concert for families on November 25 at Utulei Beach.

This comes after Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga declared November as Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in American Samoa in line with the National designation.

For the past several years, ABLE has led activities geared to open and informative discussions about Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related diseases to the community.  Activities focus on highlighting the importance of love and support for the caregivers and families suffering from such illnesses and emphasizing the value of quality family events that create memories for all.

"Despite the many challenges that our individual families and community face, we will continue celebrating the importance of our families and emphasize gratitude for our blessings.  While our own father and founder of ABLE Afoa Lutu currently suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, and we know first-hand the pain and suffering of this illness, the ABLE Board and volunteers will continue with our mission of creating programs and activities to empower our families and improve the quality of life for our people including our Alzheimer's Disease Awareness efforts every November", ABLE board member and project lead Elinor Lutu-McMoore said.

BACKGROUND

While Alzheimer's is still without a cure, researchers have confirmed that compassion, kindness, love, family time and support has had the most positive impact on families and loved ones suffering with Alzheimer's disease.  Progress in American Samoa since the awareness efforts include open discussion on a the previously taboo topic, the creation of a network of both governmental and non-governmental organizations for purposes of discussing issues related to our elderly and challenges they face such as Alzheimer 's and other dementia-related illnesses, the recent creation by Gov. Lemanu of a "Dementia-friendly American Samoa Action Team" led by First Lady Ella Mauga and the recent opportunity for American Samoa residents to receive proper dementia-related diagnosis through a federal grant issued to the American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition (ASCCC).

ASCCC has an ongoing research study on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in the territory to assist and protect the memories of the elders.

ASCCC is looking for individuals 50 years and above; of Samoan ancestry; who speak English and Samoan. They urge the public to sign up as this research will help improve early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

See the ASCCC paid advertisement in the Nov. 07 Samoa News edition, for the “bar code” to scan — using your phone — to enroll in the research or call 699-0110 for more information.