By Kisean Joseph
Overcome Struggles Always (OSA) recently held its first Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk and Talk, marking a significant step forward in raising awareness about the degenerative disease.
Approximately 60 people participated in the walk, with some joining at the starting point, and others meeting the group at the final destination. The event, designed as a family-friendly outing, successfully drew the attention of passersby, fulfilling its primary goal of increasing public awareness.
“During the walk, members of the public were asking questions about what it was all about,” Claudette Harris, founder of OSA noted. “They were reading the shirts and that’s exactly what we wanted — to bring awareness to the public.”
The event featured both a walk and an informative talk session, with two keynote speakers offering valuable insights into Alzheimer’s disease and brain health.
Nurse Joyann Quinn of Golden Treasures Home for the Elderly, shared her firsthand experiences with Alzheimer’s patients. She highlighted the complex challenges faced by caregivers, including managing mood swings and occasionally having to restrain patients for their safety.
Heru Shango, a naturopath, the second speaker, focused on holistic approaches to brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention. He emphasized the importance of lifestyle factors and nutrition in maintaining cognitive functions. Shango drew an analogy between caring for the body and maintaining a vehicle, stressing the need for proper ‘maintenance’ through diet and supplements.
Participants had the opportunity to learn about preventative measures, including the importance of reducing sugar intake, incorporating brain-boosting supplements, and maintaining an active lifestyle. The event also served as a platform for community members to share personal stories, with one attendee movingly recounting her experience with losing a brother to Alzheimer’s.
Harris emphasized the need for ongoing community engagement and support groups for families dealing with Alzheimer’s. “There’s a need to have that outlet for family members that are dealing with people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.
Looking ahead, OSA plans to build on this success by organizing regular awareness activities and expanding its initiatives. Ideas in development include implementing a bracelet tracking system for Alzheimer’s patients and creating a registry to help communities better support affected individuals.
The organization is also considering establishing community-based exercise groups for the elderly, recognising the crucial role of physical activity and social interactions in maintaining cognitive health. “We’ll continue to push fitness, physical activities, and eating right to deal with Alzheimer’s disease,” Harris affirmed.
OSA intends to maintain momentum by distributing informational pamphlets, conducting monthly outreach in local churches, and encouraging more people to share their stories. Harris acknowledged the emotional toll of caregiving, and hopes that these efforts will provide much-needed support to those affected by Alzheimer’s.
As Antigua and Barbuda grapples with the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, OSA’s efforts represent a crucial step towards creating a more informed and supportive community, and plans to make the Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk an annual event.
