Alzheimer’ s disease is a major health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and 11.5 percent of people 45 years old and older in Arkansas.

November marks National Family Caregiver and Alzheimer’ s Awareness Month. Family caregivers, often women, provide significant unpaid care— over 20 hours per week— facing numerous challenges with little recognition. In 2023 in Arkansas, 154,000 caregivers aged 65-plus gave 268 million hours of unpaid care; 72.8 percent had chronic health conditions and 38 percent experienced depression.

RESOURCES IN ARKANSAS

Finding support, funding and guidance is possible through the programs and donors in the Natural State.

Arkansas offers resources for Alzheimer’ s patients and their families, including research funding, grants, counseling and diagnostic support. Consider these programs if you are affected by Alzheimer’ s or want to contribute:

• A Walk to End Alzheimer’ s The Alzheimer’ s Association’ s

Walk to End Alzheimer’ s is the world’ s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’ s care, support and research.

The Northwest Arkansas Walk and the River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’ s take place every fall and are open to donations, sponsors, volunteers and participants.

Even if you missed it this year, you can still donate to the Alzheimer’ s Association and participate next fall.

• Alzheimer’ s Arkansas Alzheimer’ s Arkansas is an organization in Arkansas that supports those affected by Alzheimer’ s. They offer free programs, services and financial assistance to caregivers across the state, with a goal of supporting caregivers who have family members battling Alzheimer’ s.

Alzheimer’ s Arkansas has options for donors and sponsors that allow you to make donations or“ send a gift” to families or the organization directly.

They sponsor events in Arkansas that vary from donor events to caregiver support events. Some events include:

Caregiver workshops held in cities throughout the state, providing free education, training and support. These workshops provide family and professional caregivers with general information regarding Alzheimer’ s and other forms of dementia. Information includes disease progression, tools, knowledge and techniques to improve caregiving skills, and even offer some self-care tips. Caregivers will be able to add new tools to their“ caregiver toolbox” which can lead to improved care and quality of life for their loved ones as well as themselves. They also have videos of past workshops that can be viewed at any time.

Coffee with Caregivers is an online support group meeting held on the last Tuesday every month. This is a Zoom meeting where caregivers can sip coffee and communicate with other caregivers and families.

Find out about future events at www. alzark. org / events.

The Alzheimer’ s Association has a 24 / 7 helpline for caregivers. The number is 800-272-3900.

• Schmieding Center support groups Schmieding Center in Springdale holds in-person and online support groups that provide an opportunity for caregivers to gain information, share ideas, problem-solve and receive support from others who are going through similar situations.

All support groups are facilitated by Schmieding Center experts and are open to the public. Registration is not required. For questions, contact 479-751-3043 or SCInfo @ uams. edu.

OURHEALTHNWA. COM 10 NOVEMBER 2025 | BRAIN HEALTH ISSUE