Alzheimer's Association-South Dakota

Encouraging good oral health supports comfort, dignity and overall well-being, but it can be challenging for caregivers and those living with dementia. Join us for a free webinar on June 25 at 1 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. MT and learn practical tips for:

🪥 Maintaining oral hygiene
📝 Overcoming common challenges
↪️ Adapting routines

🔗 Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4uYNhA6.

It’s never too late or too early to take charge of your brain health. You and your family can engage in brain-healthy habits like regularly exercising and choosing healthier meals and snacks. Learn more at alz.org/healthyhabits.

Why you should participate in Do What You Love to End ALZ:

💜 You can turn your own unique passion into a fundraiser. There’s no limit to what you can do!

🗓️ It’s flexible! You pick the date and time that works best for you.

📲 It’s simple. Our website and mobile app make it easy to collect donations.
Get started today at alz.org/dowhatyoulove.

Cutco Cutlery has released limited-edition and specially engraved Purple products to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. This June, 10% of every Cutco Purple Product purchase will go to the Association, with a minimum guaranteed total donation of $100,000. Learn more at alz.org/cutco.

Join us on Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT to learn about the unique challenges LGBTQ+ caregivers face, aging in place, and caregiver stress in a time of uncertainty.

We’ll share resources, insights and support strategies to help LGBTQ+ caregivers navigate their Alzheimer’s and dementia journey with confidence. Register at bit.ly/4neWJfj. 🌈

During Pride Month 🌈, we recognize and honor those in the LGBTQ+ community who are facing dementia and those supporting their friends, family members and communities. We proudly stand in solidarity with you and are committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for you to get the help you need.

🏃‍♂️ Today, we celebrate a champion in every sense of the word. Thomas Sanders is a dedicated Alzheimer’s Association local board member, marathoner and passionate supporter of our mission who is turning every mile into meaningful impact.

Thomas’ family started noticing signs of the disease in his grandfather shortly after his grandmother passed. He had difficulty remembering names and everyday details. “After my grandfather passed, I began focusing more on my health and fitness,” Thomas shared.

Earlier this year, Thomas completed the Boston Marathon as a member of Team End ALZ, completing a journey that took him around the world — and earning the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal. This honor represents the completion of all six major marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

Thomas didn’t always see himself as a runner. In fact, it all started when a friend encouraged him to try a 10K. What began as a challenge quickly became a life-changing realization about pushing beyond perceived limits. He carries this mindset into his fundraising efforts.

Thomas has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Alzheimer’s Association through Team End ALZ. His commitment extends beyond race day. As a member of his local chapter board, he dedicates his time and energy to advancing our mission and supporting others who have shared similar journeys.

While Thomas jokes that his grandfather might have been puzzled by the idea of running 26.2 miles for fun, he knows he would have felt immense pride. “I think he’d be proud that through all those marathons, I was able to raise funds to fight against the disease that he lived with.”

💜 This Global Running Day, Thomas reminds us that every mile can move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re walking your first mile or completing your sixth major marathon, together, we can go the distance in the fight to .

Our team of staff and advocates met with U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and Leader John Thune's offices while in Washington D.C. to talk about legislative priorities when it comes to supporting individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia.

Our advocates are in Washington D.C. for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum! Join us in cheering on Jon Carroll, John Chicoine, and Acacia Deadrick, along with Chapter Executive Leslie Morrow and Grace Gill, State Affairs Director.

Here's South Dakota advocate John Chicoine being interviewed for Gray Television affiliates, including Dakota News Now. He's sharing about caregiving for his wife, Paula, who died of Alzheimer’s 2 1/2 years ago.

We wish John luck at AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. where he joins advocates from communities across the country who are bringing their voices, stories, and passion to Capitol Hill to push for progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia.