Spring is a season of renewal, symbolizing hope, and growth. As snow melts away and nature awakens, its impact on Alaskans living with Alzheimer's and dementia and their caregivers is profound. The changing season may spark memories and enhance cognitive function. The sight of blossoming flowers or the smell of freshly cut grass can evoke nostalgic feelings, fostering moments of clarity and connection. Additionally, exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood, reducing agitation and anxiety commonly associated with these conditions. The longer days and warmer weather can uplift spirits and provide opportunities for outdoor activities, which benefit both physical and mental health.

A great way to get out and enjoy spring in Alaska, as well as support Alaskans with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, is to join Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska at our 19th Annual Amblin’ for Alzheimer’s fun walk. This event to be held on May 4 at 9 a.m. at the Anchorage Golf Course is a relaxed amble (walk) along the cleared cart paths of the golf course's front nine holes. It will also be a morning of fun featuring live music, breakfast, educational booths, door prizes, a silent auction, and more. Please register to join us at Amblin’ 2024 at www.ALZalaska.org.

All funds raised through our Amblin’ for Alzheimer’s fun walk and all other fundraising efforts stay here in Alaska to support Alaskans affected by Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and other disabilities to ensure quality of life and support for their caregivers and families.

We provide education and support statewide and care coordination in Anchorage and Mat-Su for those with Alzheimer’s, related dementias, and other disabilities. Education and support services are critical in helping those impacted by this complex disease, especially with early detection, how to live with the disease, and empowering family caregivers and service providers to understand how to improve quality of life and care. In addition, our care coordination providers identify and help connect people to in-home and other services and resources available to ensure they are connected to the services they need. In addition, Azheimer’s Resource of Alaska offers free memory screenings, training for medical and service providers, and mini-grants for family caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is an Alaska-based, grassroots, not-for-profit organization founded in 1984 by two sisters caring for their mother with dementia. Since then, the organization has grown to serve Alaskans statewide. We have staffed offices in Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Fairbanks, and do outreach across Alaska. The need for our services is growing as the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in Alaska grows exponentially. It is projected that the number of these Alaskans will nearly double to 23,900 by 2030. That is only six years away. Your support of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska will help ensure that everyone walking this difficult path will have access to support and services. Our vision is for our elders to live safely in their homes, with proper support, for as long as possible.

Please visit our website at http://www.alzalaska.org for more information and to learn how you can help provide hope and a renewed sense of community for Alaskans living with Alzheimer's and related dementias and their caregivers and families.

Lisa Sauder is the executive director for Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska.