United Toyota Hosts Summer Celebration to Kick Off Alzheimer’s Walk Season

-Editorial 

United Toyota Valle Imperial hosted a summer celebration on Aug. 21 to kick off the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s season, bringing community members together to raise awareness and build momentum for efforts supporting Alzheimer’s care, fundraising, education and research.

The gathering provided an opportunity for residents, community leaders and advocates to connect while highlighting the growing need for resources and support for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

United Toyota General Manager Jorge Clue said the dealership was pleased to host the event and see members of the community come together behind an important cause.

“It’s nice to have so many people show up,” Clue said. “This disease, we’re the number one county. Let’s do something about it.”

Clue also recognized the participation of local leaders, including City of Imperial Mayor Ida Obeso and El Centro Councilwoman Sonia Carter, who attended the celebration to demonstrate their support for Alzheimer’s awareness and community outreach.

Agnes Zsigovics of the Alzheimer’s Association said previous Imperial Valley walks have played an important role in raising funds, increasing public awareness and connecting residents with resources available to individuals and families affected by the disease.

“Each year we’re making more, so it’s exciting,” Zsigovics said, referring to the community’s fundraising efforts. “We were able to raise awareness.”

Zsigovics said the visibility generated by the annual walks extends beyond the event itself. Participants wearing purple throughout the community help spark conversations about Alzheimer’s disease and create opportunities to educate others about the importance of awareness and support.

The resource fair held in conjunction with the events also gives residents an opportunity to learn about services available to families and caregivers.

Last fall, Imperial County residents gathered in El Centro for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the nation’s largest event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Walk brings together families, caregivers, advocates and community supporters in an effort to advance the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Zsigovics, Imperial County has the highest prevalence rate of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in California. She said the county also ranks ninth nationwide for its incidence rate among nearly 3,000 counties.

Researchers continue to study why Imperial County experiences such a high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. Zsigovics said several factors may contribute to the county’s rates, including high levels of diabetes and hypertension, both of which are recognized risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Other potential factors include pollution and levels of physical activity.

She said increased participation in clinical trials could help researchers better understand the causes, risk factors and potential treatments associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

For families already dealing with the disease, however, support for caregivers remains an equally important part of the community response.

James Shinn, a retired clinical and medical social worker who has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association for five years, said caregiver support groups provide an important outlet for people facing the emotional and practical challenges associated with caring for someone with dementia.

Shinn became involved in the work in part because his own mother had dementia.

“Because what happens when you’re a caretaker, your stress builds up,” Shinn said. “You can have depression, you can have a lot of anxiety, and so the support groups we have help to reduce all that.”

Shinn facilitates an English-language caregiver support group that meets at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. A Spanish-language support group meets at 1 p.m. the same day. Both groups meet at the office of Dr. Sampat, near the intersection of Aurora and Imperial avenues in El Centro.

The Spanish-language group began within the past year and is working to reach more families throughout the Imperial Valley.

“We need to get the word out to the Spanish-speaking community,” Shinn said.

He emphasized that residents interested in participating do not need an appointment or prior registration.

“Just show up for the group,” he said. “They don’t have to call or anything. Just show up.”

This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Friday, Oct. 23, at United Toyota Imperial, located at 2351 California 86 in Imperial. The event will begin with a community health fair, where attendees can visit resource tables, learn about available services and connect with organizations serving individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s.

The main Walk will begin at 5 p.m., with United Toyota Imperial serving as both the starting and ending point.

In addition to encouraging community participation, Zsigovics emphasized the importance of communication when interacting with someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.

She recommended that caregivers speak slowly, allow the person adequate time to respond, ask one question at a time and avoid overly specific or multiple questions that may create confusion.

She also encouraged caregivers to remember that repetitive questions and communication difficulties are symptoms of the disease and should not be interpreted as intentional or personal behavior.

“Try not to be frustrated. It’s not personal,” Zsigovics said. “It’s the person living with the disease.”

As Imperial County prepares for another Walk to End Alzheimer’s, organizers and community advocates hope the event will do more than raise funds. They hope it will strengthen awareness, connect families with resources, encourage caregiver support and inspire greater participation in the ongoing effort to understand and ultimately end Alzheimer’s disease.