Tag Archives for dementia

Every Step Counts: Rhode Island’s Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Published in RINewsToday on September 1, 2025 

“With new treatments emerging in the fight again Alzheimer’s and all other dementias, now is the time for hope. Now is the time for action,” says the Alzheimer’s Association, which organizes the world’s largest fundraiser to combat the disease.

Earlier this year, the Alzheimer’s Association released its 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, which underscores the growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s across the United States. Today, over 7 million Americans are living with the disease, with numbers expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. Twenty-two thousand people in Rhode Island are living with Alzheimer’s.

According to the report, Alzheimer’s-related deaths have more than doubled between 2000 and 2021. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and Alzheimer’s kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Alongside the devastating emotional impact, Alzheimer’s also places an immense financial burden on families and communities. Over 12 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The Alzheimer’s Association has been at the forefront of the fight against the disease, particularly through its annual fundraising efforts like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Since its inception in 1989, this nationwide initiative has raised billions of dollars for Alzheimer’s care, prevention, treatment, and research.

Last year alone, the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter was a proud participant in this effort, alongside 73 other chapters across the U.S. The Rhode Island Chapter, which is committed to supporting local families and advancing

The Rhode Island Chapter’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a key event that provides an opportunity for local cities and towns to come together, raise awareness, and generate crucial funds for Alzheimer’s care and research. This year, Rhode Island’s five Walk events will kick off on September 7 in Block Island and continue across the state, including Newport (September 21), Northern Rhode Island (September 27), Westerly (October 5), and Providence (October 19).

Kristen Cusato, Director of Communications for the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut and Rhode Island Chapter, shares that over 700 participants have already registered for the walks, forming 214 teams. She anticipates this number will grow to 2,700 participants across 372 teams by the time the walks take place.

A powerful example of local commitment to the cause is Women’s Ice Hockey Olympic Gold Medalist AJ Mleczko, who, will attend the Block Island walk. Known for her advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Mleczko has a personal connection to the disease—both her mother, Bambi, has Alzheimer’s and her maternal grandmother passed away from the devastating cognitive disorder.  Mleczko will share her family’s experience and highlight the importance of raising funds to support those affected by the disease.

With a fundraising goal of $730,000, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events are crucial to the Rhode Island Chapter’s efforts to support Alzheimer’s research and community programs. “These events provide powerful opportunities to unite in the fight against Alzheimer’s while raising essential funds for care, research, and support services,” says Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter. “Every step taken brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s, and your participation can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.”

Rhode Island Communities Walk Together

The Rhode Island Chapter is proud to be part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s broader mission as the world’s largest non-profit funder of dementia research. With over $1 million currently being invested in local research projects, the chapter’s efforts are directly impacting the lives of Rhode Islanders affected by Alzheimer’s. “Our funds go directly back into the community to support various programs and services,” McGowan says. “These efforts help individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their loved ones, and anyone eager to join us in the fight.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many, according to McGowan. “It’s truly incredible,” she says. “After the program and Promise Garden ceremony, you realize you’re not in this battle alone. It’s the largest support group, where you can share your story and feel a sense of connection.”

One of the most touching examples of dedication to the cause comes from the Greenman family. For the past seven years, they have participated in the Block Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s through Team Peter and Sandy. The team was founded by Peter Greenman in honor of his wife, Sandy, who passed away in April 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Peter himself passed away shortly after one of the walks in 2020. Today, their daughter, Sarah Greenman Barclay, leads the team, continuing her parents’ legacy and raising awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Spotlight on One of the Best

Last year, Team Peter and Sandy raised over $119,000, earning national recognition as the 19th-ranked fundraising team in the country. Over the past seven years, they have raised nearly $500,000. Greenman Barclay credits much of their success to the Block Island community and the support from the Roosa Foundation, which provided match incentives.

“Being part of a top fundraising team was amazing,” Greenman Barclay reflects. “The Block Island community has been incredibly supportive, and we’ve made so many friends across the country who are just as passionate about the cause, even though they never met my parents.”

Greenman Barclay believes that participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s not only raises crucial funds but also brings the community together, accelerating the discovery of a cure. “It truly takes a village to fight this disease,” she says. “When we walk together, we send a powerful message that we are not alone.”

It’s not too late to register or volunteer for a local walk. Individuals can still participate, fundraise, or sign up as volunteers for event setup, registration, and more. To get involved, visit the event website:

https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_volunteer#searchform.

If you have any questions about Alzheimer’s or dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/ri.

Surviving, even thriving, when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s

Published in RINewsToday on March 3, 2025

Last Wednesday, Colleen Kelly Mellor, author and former feature writer for the Providence Journal, captivated a crowd at the Coventry Library with a talk about her caregiving journey. In her inspiring presentation, Mellor shared how she not only survived but thrived while caring for her husband, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.

Mellor, 79, has had a multifaceted career—raising two daughters, teaching school for over 30 years, and working as a realtor for nine years. The prolific writer is no stranger to seeing the devastating impacts of Alzheimer’s. Her father, two brothers and two cousins died of the cognitive disease.  And for the past 15 years, she has been her husband’s primary caregiver. For 13 of those years, she single-handedly managed his care, from ensuring he attended doctor’s appointments to overseeing his medications.  

This journey led her to write her latest book, Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s.

The 284-page book, published last May, is a must-read for America’s caregivers. “The caregiving journey was so demanding, I felt compelled to write a book about what I learned—something that could help others,” Mellor explained. “I want to make sure they don’t repeat the mistakes I made, especially when I was uninformed, like not knowing about veteran benefits.”

What is the core message of Az and Me? Mellor stresses the importance of caregivers taking care of themselves. “Caregivers need to prioritize their own well-being, just like the airlines say: put the mask on yourself first, then on your child,” she says, adding that her book provides caregivers with the tools they need to do just that.

The Caregiver Journey Begins

“You can step out of the wreckage of your life’s journey,” Mellor encourages. “Keep stepping forward—even when you don’t want to and can’t see any change for the better. It will come if you persist.”

Mellor knows firsthand what that perseverance looks like. She admits that when her partner, Paul Wesley Gates, was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she was unsure of what it truly meant to be a caregiver. But her message to caregivers, shared during last week’s library talk, was clear: find your footing and keep moving forward.

Mellor acknowledges that she paid the price for being uninformed. “I was one of those caregivers,” she says. Seven years ago, Mellor suffered a herniated disc and became disabled. At that time, she had no support system in place to help care for her husband, a 20-year career military veteran with Alzheimer’s. As she received medical treatment, she had to bring Paul to her appointments and medical tests because she had no support. “I prayed he’d still be sitting in the waiting room when I came out,” she recalled. During this period, Mellor had to place her husband in a care facility for a brief time. The cost? $8,000. Despite initially planning to keep him there for a month, Mellor pulled him out after just four days. The services promised to her were never delivered.

Through this experience, Mellor learned a valuable lesson: the importance of understanding available benefits. “I was paying full price for day care when I could have used my husband’s veteran benefits, which would’ve covered three of the four days,” she said. “No one—no doctor, social worker, or even facility—told me about the benefits he was entitled to,” Mellor added. “He could have stayed at a Vet-approved facility for free because of his military service, and I could have received respite care.”

For the past two years, Mellor has been visiting Paul, now 83, at the Veterans Home in Bristol. She and Paul married at her daughter’s home in East Greenwich last December so that, according to federal rules, she could be buried with her husband in Rhode Island’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  

A Guide for America’s Caregivers

Mellor is an advocate at heart, which is reflected in all of her self-published books. “I’m an advocate for people,” she says. In her children’s books, Grandpa and the Truck (Books 1 & 2), Mellor highlights the important role of truckers in our daily lives. In Boomerrrang, her real estate background shines through as she cautions people about buying and selling property. And in Az and Me, she champions the cause of caregivers and veterans.

Her Alzheimer’s book is easy to read, with super short chapters (just 1-2 pages). It’s meant to reach out to caregivers and share her journey, as well as provide practical tips to avoid the mistakes she made. Through her book and group presentations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Mellor helps caregivers avoid pitfalls while navigating the demanding role of care provider.

Mellor shares snapshots of her and her husband’s life, highlighting the challenges they faced and offering practical strategies she used to cope with the stresses of caregiving. In her book, she explains how to determine eligibility for Veterans’ benefits and what those benefits cover. She also advises hiring a certified elder law attorney if needed, someone who understands the complexities of Medicaid eligibility, nursing home admissions, Medicare, Social Security, guardianship, and estate planning.

In her book, Mellor offers several practical tips for managing the challenges of caregiving. For example, when caring for someone with short-term memory loss, she suggests dressing your loved one in bright, easily visible colors. This makes it easier to spot them if they wander. She also recommends giving them a fake handbag or billfold, rather than the real deal, so you can easily access important medical documents. Mellor also shares tips on how to handle tough decisions, like when it’s time to take away the keys to the car. It’s one of the hardest decisions, she admits, but it’s necessary when it’s no longer safe for them to drive.

She advises caregivers to join an Alzheimer’s support group, choose a doctor they feel comfortable with, and divide caregiving responsibilities among family members. “A son can take Dad to his regular haircut appointment, then they can go out for lunch,” Mellor suggests.

Finally, she encourages caregivers to find moments of humor throughout the experience. “Laughter can be a lifesaver,” she says.Mellor likens her book to a box of chocolates: some pieces are sweet, others not so much—but all are essential. “There’s humor in it because my mission is to help caregivers cope and even thrive, not just survive,” she says.

In the end, Mellor sees Az and Me as a love story—one that shows how she and her husband found joy, even in the face of his debilitating disease.

To purchase Az and Me: A Partner’s Journey with Alzheimer’s ($20) or for more details about scheduling a speaking engagement, go to colleenkellymellor.com or call 401-480-3403.  

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Bipartisan efforts strengthens the Dementia public health infrastructure

Published in RINewsToday on December 2, 2024

In the waning days of the Biden administration, Congress has moved one step closer to assisting states to continue to effectively implement dementia interventions.  Following passage of H. R. 7218 on Sept. 17th, by voice vote on Nov. 21st, the U.S. Senate passed S. 3775, also without objection. At press time, the bipartisan legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Once signed, the new law re-authorizes the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L.115-406) enacted in 2018, empowering public health departments across the country to implement effective dementia interventions in their communities.

In a March 2024 fact sheet, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) calls for Alzheimer’s and other dementias to be considered an urgent public health issue, noting that nearly 7 million seniors across the nation are currently living with Alzheimer’s.

While partisan bickering has reduced the number of bills passed during the 118th Congress, Democratic and Republican lawmakers seek solutions for containing the skyrocketing costs of care, finding a cure for debilitating brain disorders, and supporting caregivers. 

The nation spends more than $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Barring any major breakthroughs to prevent, slow down, or cure Alzheimer’s, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to double by 2060, costing the nation more than $1.1 trillion per year, says AIM’s Fact Sheet.

Congress continues funding of Dementia effective interventions

In the Senate, S. 3775 was spearheaded by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and cosponsored by Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse.  It’s companion measure, H.R. 7218, was introduced in the House by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chairman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, along with Chris Smith (R-NJ), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Maxine Waters (D-CA).

With its enactment in 2018, P.L. 115-406 accelerated a multi-pronged public health approach to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, advance care, improve data, and ultimately change the trajectory of this devastating disease.

Headed by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), the reauthorization would authorize $33 million per year, in line with current appropriations, over the next five years to support:

1.  Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence dedicated to promoting effective Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving interventions, as well as educating the public on Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and brain health. 

2.  Public Health Cooperative Agreements with the CDC that are awarded to State Health Departments to help them meet local needs in promoting brain health, reducing risk of cognitive decline, improving care for those with Alzheimer’s, and other key public health activities. 

3.  Data Grants to improve the analysis and timely reporting of data on Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline, caregiving, and health disparities at the state and national levels.

Since the original Bold Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed, the CDC has made 66 awards to 45 state, local and tribal public health departments to help them implement effective dementia interventions such as reducing risk, increasing early detection and diagnosis, and supporting the needs of caregivers.

“Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest and most under-recognized public health threats of our time. Nearly seven million Americans—including 29,600 Mainers—are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer,” said Maine Sen. Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease in a statement announcing the passage of the legislation.  

“The passage of this bipartisan legislation is a tremendous victory for families and communities nationwide. By reauthorizing the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, we are reaffirming our commitments to providing the tools needed to fight this devastating disease, and to not let Alzheimer’s be one of the defining diseases of our children’s generation as it has ours,” says Collins.

“Since the original BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed, public health departments have been able to improve brain health across the life course in their communities,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and AIM president. “The BOLD Reauthorization Act will help public health departments implement effective strategies that promote brain health, address dementia, and support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers,” said Egge. “We urge the President to support the Alzheimer’s community and swiftly sign this bipartisan bill into law,” he says.

Rhode Island response

“Getting this bill across the finish line is a win for the 25,000 Rhode Islanders living with Alzheimer’s, their adult children who work tirelessly as unpaid family caregivers, and for the health and economic needs of the next generation too.  We must continue the progress we’ve made against Alzheimer’s.  We’ve got to find better treatments for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The federal government must do its part to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, and advance care while lifting the burden on unpaid caregivers,” said RI Sen. Reed.

Since the original BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed in 2018, Reed noted that the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has been awarded $3.8 million in BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act grants from the CDC. RIDOH has used the federal BOLD grant funds to help to implement effective Alzheimer’s interventions, including boosting early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations, he says.

Victoria O’Connor, program manager at the RIDOH’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD), who chairs the state’s Advisory Council on ADRD, agrees with Sen. Reed’s assessment about the positive impact of this federal grant on state-wide public health interventions for those caring for persons with dementia.

“The RIDOH Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Program leads a statewide Advisory Council, convening critical partners, subject matter experts, and people with lived experience to advise implementation of the BOLD funded workplan as well as oversee the Rhode Island State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 2024-2029. This collaborative approach has led to successful implementation of public health interventions statewide that aim to empower all individuals impacted by dementia to achieve their best quality of life.” says O’Connor.

Other congressional actions to combat Alzheimer’s  

Earlier this year, Sen. Reed helped pass the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA).  Sen. Whitehouse was also a cosponsor of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act.  Both bills were signed into law by President Biden. 

The NAPA Reauthorization Act (P.L.,118-93) reauthorizes NAPA through 2035, considered a roadmap to coordinate federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Since NAPA was first passed in 2011, Alzheimer’s research funding has increased seven-fold.  Today, funding for research into Alzheimer’s and other dementias totals over $3.8 billion.

The Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (P.L. 118-93) would require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to submit an annual budget to Congress estimating the funding necessary to fully implement NAPA’s research goals.  This will help ensure Congress can make a well-informed decision to determine necessary Alzheimer’s research funding levels.

We have made tremendous progress in recent years to boost funding for Alzheimer’s research, which holds great promise to end this disease that has had a devastating effect on millions of Americans and their families,” said Sen. Collins, who authored NAPA and AAIA.

“These two bills will maintain our momentum and make sure that we do not take our foot off the pedal just as our investments in basic research are beginning to translate into potential new treatments. We must not let Alzheimer’s to be one of the defining diseases of our children’s generation as it has ours,” she says.

And as a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Sen. Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill.  In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds  to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.