Although May 2 was chilly, hundreds of people came out to support Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska as the nonprofit helps those affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Family members, friends, and caregivers gathered on the morning of May 2 at the Anchorage Golf Course for the 2026 annual Alzheimer's Resource Alaska (ARA) "Amblin' for Alzheimer's" event.
ARA hosts the event to raise awareness about the growing incidence of Alzheimer's and related dementias in Alaska. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, but there are many others. https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/alzheimers-dementia Dementia causes issues with thinking, behavior, and memory. Current (2024) estimates that 22% of Alaskans are 60 years old and older. Tracking for Alzheimer's starts at age 65 and show that 10,145 Alaskans are experiencing a form of dementia. As the Alaska population ages, it is reasonable to expect the incidence of dementias to increase.
During the 2-mile walk for awareness and unity, I spoke with several family members about their experiences of coping when a form of dementia became a reality for a family member. One walker described how his father's condition developed quickly over months, and that the geographical separation created logistical issues for the family. He also described how his mother in-law's condition had developed over nine years.
Another walker described how her father has been a master woodworker and as the dementia developed, how he had lost the strength to use tools and focus to follow the blueprint for a project. A granddaughter said that she had always gone with her grandfather on walks, so he did not get lost. All of the walkers I spoke with said that their parent had been resistant to losing their independence but had eventually come to accept help with activities for daily life, such as dressing.
Common themes for recovery echoed in the conversations. When a family member develops a medical condition, the priorities for the family change. Scaling one's personal plans to take one day at a time and placing their career on hold was by far the most difficult change that many walkers expressed.
When asked what advice they have for future caregivers, these are a few of the responses:
The No. 1 response is "expect to develop the patience of the Biblical figure Job."
Remain respectful. Engage with normal conversation, courtesies, and family traditions. The degradation is progressive, not immediate.
Develop a consistent daily routine and environment. Constant change will only create confusion, frustration and angry outbursts.
Self-reliance remains important so continue to challenge them to do the tasks that they can do for themselves, for as long as they can. Patience and encouragement convey love, honor and acceptance during this difficult time they are experiencing.
Supporting is not a task for a single person-it takes a crew. Caregiving tasks become time-intensive, physically intensive, and emotionally intensive, so share the workload. The team at ARA can advise your family on strategies for sharing the workload. Use them.
