November 1st marks the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant holiday that originated in Mexico to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed. Día de los Muertos traditions include building elaborate altars decorated with flowers, food, photographs, and belongings of deceased loved ones. People don skull masks and costumes and hold parades and parties to welcome the spirits back to the world of the living.
This year (2023), the Cranston Senior Center and the Memory and Aging Program (MAP) at Butler Hospital teamed up to host seniors and their families for a celebration that included some fun along with important awareness and education about Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, and research opportunities here in Rhode Island.
“The community spirit of Día de los Muertos provides a unique opportunity to honor loved ones we've lost to Alzheimer's disease and build awareness around prevention and treatment,” said Lulu Saraiva, an outreach coordinator for MAP.
About the Día de los Muertos and Alzheimer’s Event
The event at the Cranston Senior Center served to highlight the importance of brain health for all. Families were invited to enjoy Day of the Dead-themed face painting, refreshments, and an intimate screening of the Disney/Pixar film Coco. Coco centers around the Mexican holiday and focuses on the power of remembrance for those we love.
In addition, Saraive shared Alzheimer’s education, prevention, and information and resources about maintaining brain health through diet, exercise, cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and disease management. She also shared information about enrolling in Alzheimer’s research studies at the Memory and Aging Program, which offers comprehensive diagnostic services and treatment options for Alzheimer’s and related dementias, including access to clinical drug trials.
“Combining a celebration of Día de los Muertos with valuable resources for families demonstrates how honoring those we’ve lost can inspire us to protect the memories of future generations,” said Memory and Aging Program Outreach Manager Tara Tang, who gave a presentation about brain health.
She goes on to say, “Our memories and stories live on through the people we touch. By raising awareness and promoting research around Alzheimer's prevention and treatment, we can work toward a future where memories last longer through healthier brains. Just as Día de los Muertos celebrates the spirits of those who have passed, this event honors memories by promoting brain health for those still living.”
Alzheimer’s Disease by the Numbers
Alzheimer's is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As many as five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's - with numbers projected to triple by 2050. Hispanic Americans are about one and a half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's than older white Americans.
How to Get Involved in Alzheimer’s Research
Effective treatment and even prevention of Alzheimer's is closer than ever before, and now you can help by joining the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry. The registry allows us to match people interested in participating in research, with studies for which they may qualify.
Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry by visiting: https://www.butler.org/memory/registry.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.