Governor Lemanu Mauga has declared November as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in American Samoa, in line with the National designation of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
For the past several years, the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE) has led all activities to have open and informative discussions about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diseases to the community.
This year, ASTCA has stepped in to partner with ABLE to bring the Punialavaa Band from New Zealand for families to enjoy.
“We are grateful to partner with ABLE to support bringing Punialavaa, one of Samoa’s oldest and most loved groups of all time, for our community to enjoy. Family Values and Importance of caring for our elderly, and those in need, is part of our Samoan culture and part of ASTCA’s commitment to our community,” shared ASTCA CEO Chuck Leota.
ASTCA’s support has made it possible for Punialavaa to be in American Samoa during the week of Thanksgiving for a corporate event on November 23, and a free benefit concert for families on November 25. at Utulei Beach.
While Alzheimer’s Disease is still without a cure, researchers have confirmed that compassion, kindness, love, family time and support has had the most positive impact on families and loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
A lot of progress has been made in the territory since the awareness efforts on Alzheimer’s began.
They include:
- Open discussion on a previously taboo topic
- Creation of a network of both governmental and non-governmental organizations for purposes of discussing issues related to ourbelderly and challenges they face such as Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses,
- Creation by Governor Lemanu of a “Dementia-friendly American Samoa Action Team” led by First Lady Ella Mauga
- Recent opportunity for American Samoa residents to receive proper dementia-related diagnosis through a federal grant issued to the American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition.
ABLE board member and project lead, Elinor Lutu-McMoore said, “Despite the many challenges that our individual families and community face, we will continue celebrating the importance of our families and emphasize gratitude for our blessings. While our own father and founder of ABLE Afoa Lutu, currently, suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease —and we know first-hand the pain and suffering of this illness—, the ABLE Board and volunteers will continue with our mission of creating programs and activities to empower our families and improve the quality of life for our people including our Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness efforts, every November.”
