Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Greek-lettered sorority first established by African American college women, recently joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

AKA has designated the Alzheimer’s Association – The Longest Day – as a community impact day, using the theme: “AKA-cise the mind and body.”

On June 21, members of the Kappa Iota Omega Chapter walked over 25 miles collectively to raise awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s, made a donation  to Hampton Manor’s Alzheimer’s unit while members visited and volunteered their service. They also distributed Alzheimer’s information to businesses, churches, community organizations, family and friends on that day.

Local AKA members taking part were Marla Jerman, Maxine Stutmann, Geraldine Greene, Margaret Putney, Barbara Wilkins, and Jeanette Harmon.

The day was culminated with a fellowship dinner recognizing Kappa Iota Omega member Ophelia Gould-Faison as a caregiver for her mother, also a member of the Kappa Iota Omega Chapter and has been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 79 years.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.  The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning.

The following are 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life in planning or solving problems;

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure;

Confusion with time or place;

Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships;

New problems with words in speaking or writing;

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps;

Decreased or poor judgment;

Withdrawal from work or social activities; and

Changes in mood and personality.

If you notice any of the these 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them.  Schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you need additional information call 1-800-272-3390.