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Today, there are 220,000 Ohioans living with Alzheimer's or another dementia -- and by 2025, that number is expected to hit 250,000. Almost 500,000 Ohioans are providing care to people living with the disease in our communities across the state; 2/3 of these caregivers are women. 1 in 3 seniors die from this disease and that dementia is one of the costliest conditions to society.
The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing Alzheimer's care support and research. A large part of their mission is to provide care and support to all those who are facing this disease. They do that through their 24/7 Helpline, a variety of online interactive tools, and in person awareness presentations, education programs, and support groups.
They also have staff who provide care consultations and referrals at the local chapter. As they try to navigate this public health crisis, they know that they need to bring awareness, education, and support to their local communities. In order to do that effectively, they need an army of volunteers in communities across the state to ensure that no family goes without the care and support they need.
In fact, at the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC), research was presented that found that volunteering in later life was associated with better baseline scores on tests of executive function and verbal episodic memory. Volunteering was also associated with a trend toward less cognitive decline over the follow up time of 1-2 years, and those that volunteered several times per week had the highest levels of executive functioning.
More research is needed, but these findings suggest that volunteering is good for your brain health. Age is the greatest risk factor for developing dementia -- and so one of the ways we can reduce our risk is to stay cognitively active -- using our brains.
At their Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, volunteers can participate in a wide variety of roles including delivering presentations/programs, facilitating a support group, or attending community events representing the Association. There are also opportunities to work on their fundraising and advocacy efforts. "We will match your passion to our opportunities," says Pam Myers, Program Director.
Here are some reasons why their current volunteers have joined the fight:
"It is a blessing to see people in need of support be grateful to be heard and leave a meeting feeling they have some tools to work with in this world of Alzheimer's disease and its devastation. They can leave with a smile and hope despite the disease." Joyce, caregiver support group facilitator/community educator
"I cared for my mother for many years before she passed. I wish I had known then what I know now about dementia. I want to share that knowledge with as many family caregivers as possible hoping to make their journey easier," Paula, community educator said.
"Why I volunteer is to help support people living with Dementia, either directly or in-directly. To give them tips on how to have a more successful outcome and better understanding of and for their loved ones," Amy, caregiver support group facilitator said.Volunteers are the key to the success of many nonprofit organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association.
"We hope this new information will encourage individuals of all ages to get involved in volunteering, not only to benefit their community but potentially one's own brain health," Says Myers. "We want to make sure people know that when faced with this diagnosis and then the journey of this disease, that they are not alone -- there is Hope and Help available. Please join us in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia)."
For information about volunteering contact Ginger Gagne, Program Manager, at (740) 337-0343.