Hawai‘i Dementia Initiative

Living with Alzheimer's: Support & Hope After a Diagnosis
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Honolulu) | Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Office (Kakaako), 677 Moana Blvd, Ste 301, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
A new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, another dementia, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can bring a lot of questions, and can feel overwhelming. Please know you do not have to navigate the journey alone. The Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii is hosting an in-person 3-part series for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, or MCI in February 2026. You’ll have a chance to talk story with others, learn what to expect, how to build a care team, and plan your next steps with more confidence and hope.

Participants will learn about the progression of the disease, effective communication strategies, and tools to navigate daily challenges while fostering a sense of connection and hope. This course provides guidance, resources, and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

The 2026 Living with Alzheimer’s Series is comprised of the following programs:

Early Stage: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Mid Stage: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Late Stage: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

*This program is intended for persons living with dementia. Their care partner is welcome however caregiver participation is limited to supporting the care recipient (person living with dementia).*
Registration is required. Seats are limited to 12 people.

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Plaza at Kaneohe, 46-068 Alaloa Street, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, United States
We offer support groups for caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. All support groups are facilitated by trained individuals. Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.

Kauai Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-02 12:30 - 14:00, 2026-04-06 12:30 - 14:00 | Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, 4800 Kawaihau Road, Kapaa, HI, 96746, United States
This is a monthly get together of caregivers who wish to share and learn from fellow caregivers. Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.
Note: This support group is for family caregivers, not persons living with dementia. If you are interested in programs for persons living with dementia, please contact the office for information [Cindy Fowler, Email: cfowler@alz.org Phone: 808.518.6655].
Space is limited – registration is strongly encouraged. You may be contacted by someone from the Alzheimer’s Association prior to the Support Group.

Caregiver Foundation Youth Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-02 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-06 16:00 - 17:00
Our Youth Caregiver Support Group is a virtual meet-up hosted monthly for young caregivers. If you are 20 years old or younger and identify as a caregiver, please join us! At each meeting we will focus on a different topic, activity, or skill related to youth caregiving (for example, we will talk about self-care, identity, and making safety plans).
Groups are structured by an adult facilitator, but we want your participation and leadership! You are invited to contribute to the extent that you feel comfortable, and we will not force you to speak if you don’t want to.

Hale Hauʻoli Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Caregiving can be a difficult and isolating experience, but interacting with people in similar situations can help make the task more manageable. Support groups provide a space where caregivers can share experiences and insights, ask for advice, and learn about resources available for aging seniors. Hale Hau`oli Hawai`i offers a virtual Caregiver Support Group on the first Monday of the each month at 6:30 – 8:00.

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Office (Kakaako), 677 Moana Blvd, Ste 301, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States

Gimme-A-Break Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-03 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-10 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-17 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-24 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-31 20:00 - 21:00 | Gimme-A-Break Zoom, Join the Zoom Meeting ID: 8087543787
Gimme A Break offers free support, resources and more through our Weekly Support Sessions, online and in-person every Tuesday evening
Join our Community! Do it for you! You are never alone!
Join the Zoom Meeting ID: 8087543787

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | East Oʻahu (virtual)

Safety First: Understanding and Responding to Dementia Behaviors
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Catholic Charities Hawaii (CCH) is offering another Zoom workshop focusing on Dementia-Related Behaviors that can be challenging for caregivers and providers of persons living with dementia in the community. This session will target unpaid caregivers of persons living with dementia in the community and the service providers, friends & family, neighbors, educators, and advocates who support them. These workshops are made possible by a grant given to Catholic Charities Hawaii from the U.S. Administration for Community Living/DHHS for the Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative awarded to organizations across the country to increase resources and information to improve the well-being of persons living with dementia in the community and their caregivers.
The workshop will cover:

Benefits of working as a team with healthcare and community resources through all stages of dementia
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of dementia and why safety comes first
What the caregiver can do to help increase safety at home for their person living with dementia
Fall prevention and dementia, assessing and modifying the environment
Wandering issues: tips for environmental changes, safety in and out of the home
Dining and Safety: being prepared for possible swallowing difficulties and nutrition/hydration challenges
Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaii Chapter statewide resources, programs and education

Expert Panel Presenters:
Jessica Barry, MD has been working at The Queen’s Medical Center Geriatric Services for 15 years. Born and raised in Kansas, she attended University of Kansas for undergraduate and medical school. Her Internal Medicine Residency was at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Her Geriatric Fellowship was with University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. She aims to keep her older patients independent as long as possible while maintaining an optimal quality of life with proactive prevention, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment. She and her husband from Hawaii have two children. She is passionate about dementia education for lay persons and health professionals. In her free time, she ferries the children to their activities and squeezes in running and reading novels.
Ivy K. Castallanos is the Director of Programs with the Alzheimer’s Association, Hawaii Chapter. She holds a Master’s degree in Behavioral Science and Health Education from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and has more than 20 years’ experience in the combined areas of health education, health promotion and disease prevention, health equity, and corporate wellness. She has served in roles with organizations such as HMSA, the American Heart Association, and HealthAssist, and has held research positions with the Johns Hopkins Center for Cancer Pain Research and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research in Baltimore, Maryland. Ivy joined the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014 and finds joy in empowering families affected by dementia. She is a full-time mom of two and a full-time caregiver for her mother.

The Brain Health Recipe: Ingredients for Healthy Aging
2026-03-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Did you know? Results from the U.S. POINTER clinical trial found that key lifestyle interventions improved cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. These positive results underscore the message that healthy behavior has a powerful impact on brain health.
In this webinar, we will explore how positive actions can make a difference in cognitive health, and when combined with a program that targets multiple factors like physical activity, improving nutrition, cognitive and social challenge and health monitoring, we now know it can have a synergistic effect.
Join us to:

Understand what the “U.S. POINTER Recipe” is and how to incorporate it into daily living
Learn the key “ingredients” for brain-healthy aging
Hear about the trial results and implications for future research
Walk away with a simple, doable plan to optimize brain health

SPEAKER: Claire Day has been on staff with the Alzheimer’s Association since 2001. She is the Chief Mission and Program Strategy Officer at the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter and as such, oversees all care and support, DEI, operations and research initiatives. Ms. Day is a clinical social worker and received her degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She has more than twenty-five years of experience as a family and professional educator in dementia care. Ms. Day is a member of the California Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee. In 2018, she was appointed the Chapter Lead for the US Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Interventions to Reduce Risk (US POINTER) in California in partnership with U.C. Davis. US POINTER , a lifestyle intervention trial, reported out positive topline results in July 2025 .

Alzheimer's Association Hawaiʻi Chapter (Oʻahu) Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-16 18:30 - 20:00 | The Plaza at Pearl City, 1048 Kuala St., Pearl City, Hawaii, 96782, United States

Addressing Food Insecurity for People Living Alone with Dementia
2026-03-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Zoom
National data indicate that nearly one quarter of older Americans living alone have dementia. This population faces numerous challenges, including food insecurity, which is often worsened by cognitive impairment, limited social support, and physical isolation. Traditional senior meal delivery programs are not always designed to address the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairment, who may have difficulty safely storing, preparing, or cooking meals.
This webinar will provide insight into an innovative, volunteer-based food delivery model created to better support seniors living alone with dementia. Participants will learn about common barriers to food-based services experienced by individuals living alone with dementia, the key components of an effective food delivery service model for people living alone with dementia, and program evaluation best practices for measuring the impact of services for this population.

Caregiver Foundation Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
The Caregiver Foundation hosts a monthly virtual support group for Caregivers. These groups provide a space for Caregivers to come together, share experiences, and build community. We also feature guest speakers, including medical professionals, attorneys, and other experts who speak about important topics for Caregivers.

Kupuna Safety with Honolulu Police Department
2026-03-17 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Kupuna safety – on our streets and online – is top of mind. Please join the Caregiver Foundation for an Honolulu Police Department presentation to help us all keep safe! Followed by Q&A and caregiver support. This presentation will be during the monthly Caregiver Support Group on March 17, 2026 at 4:00pm HST. Residents on all islands may register at https://thecaregiverfoundation.org/csg or call 808.625.3782 for more information. This event is free and open to the public. After you register, the Zoom link will be sent to you.

Project Dana Caregiver Support Group
2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Project Dana’s Caring for the Caregiver (C4C) program offers services to family caregivers and soon to be caregivers. The goal of the program is to help alleviate the stress that comes with continuous caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers will have the opportunity to “talk story” about their experiences and current concerns with their peers. The Project also plans outings to various locations and activities for fun and relaxation. The program’s coordinator facilitates the group meetings. Support group meetings scheduled and location are listed in the calendar.

Care Home ECHO: Communicating Effectively
2026-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
This one hour Care Home ECHO session covers topics essential for care home and foster home operators. Topics include the 4Ms of geriatrics: What Matters, Medication, Mentation (or Mind) and Mobility which are based on evidence-based practices that support healthy aging.
Dorothy Colby, Certified Positive Approach to Care™ Trainer and Mentor, will teach this session about Communicating Effectively.
Target Audience: Care Home Operators, Care Home Staff, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Social Workers, Foster Home Operators, Case Managers, Service Coordinators
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Cultivating Care: Memory Café - Creation
2026-03-26 16:30 - 18:00 | Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili, 1776 University Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
The Cultivating Care: Memory Café is a monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners. Held at Ho‘ōla ʻĀina Pilipili Accessible Garden site, each gathering offers a welcoming outdoor space to connect, create, and build community through meaningful, accessible activities.
The garden includes wide pathways, shaded areas, seating, accessible restrooms, lighting, and nearby parking. We provide all tools, gloves, and garden materials, and serve light refreshments at each session. Registration is required, and a map with parking and site details will be shared upon sign-up.
Participants will be asked to sign in at the event and complete a brief evaluation form to support and improve the program. Our sessions will provide a supportive, relaxing environment.
2026 Memory Café Dates & Themes (Monthly on Thursdays at 4:30–6:00 PM):

March 26 – Creation
April 16 – Cultivation
May 21 – Celebration

Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference (Oʻahu) Ola Nā Lima Mālama
2026-03-27 08:30 - 16:30 | Neal S. Blaisedell Center, 777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96814, United States
Join the Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi Chapter for their annual Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Pikake Room.
Topics to include:

– Great Expectations in Dementia Care
– Through Their Eyes: Understanding Resistance
– Supporting Brain Health / Fitness Workout
– Making Care Make Sense: A Practical Guide
– QA / Panel

Speakers:

– Adria Thompson, Eastern Kentucky University; Be Light Care Consulting
– Dorothy Colby, Hale Kuike; Positive Approach to Care
– Dr. Gina Fujikami, The Queen’s Medical Center
– Dr. Rachel Lindsay, Kapiolani Community College

Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference (Kauaʻi) Ola Nā Lima Mālama
2026-03-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Kauaʻi Community College, Fine Arts Building, 3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, 96766, United States
On Saturday, March 28, the Alzheimer’s Association will be hosting the Ola Nā Lima Mālama: Hawaiʻi Caregiver Conference at the Kauaʻi Community College Fine Arts Center. This is a free, one-day educational event for family caregivers, focused on practical strategies, brain health, and support for those caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Meeting Communities Where They Are: Innovative Approaches to Dementia Supports and Services
2026-04-07 08:00 - 09:00
Addressing the unique support and service needs of communities is central to effective home- and community-based dementia care. While many dementia-specific interventions are grounded in research and best practices, they often require thoughtful adaptation to effectively reach underserved populations. Supports and services for people living with dementia, their caregivers, and their communities are most impactful when tailored to reflect cultural values, language, and lived experiences.
This webinar will feature two specialized, community-based dementia programs, each focused on an underserved population—African American and Korean American communities. Both programs have adapted their approaches to reduce barriers to service acceptance, increase engagement, and address unmet needs. Together, they will demonstrate strategies for delivering strengths-based, dementia-specific services and supports while navigating and overcoming challenges.
Direct questions to NADRC-Webinars@rti.org
Please note:
NADRC webinars are free and open to the public.
NADRC webinars are recorded and will be posted at https://nadrc.acl.gov/.
Closed captioning is available during the webinar and included in all recordings.

Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Day
2026-04-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Hawaiʻi State Capitol, 415 South Beretania St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
Join the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Hawaii State Capitol! This is your chance to make a difference and advocate for those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

Priority legislation focuses on standardizing cognitive assessment testing at annual wellness visits, providing access to disease-modifying treatments, improving the quality of care for those living with dementia, and initiating the establishment of an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) in Hawaii.

By participating, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest in Alzheimer’s and treatments, meet with state legislators, share your experiences, and support Alzheimer’s policy requests.

Don’t miss this chance to be a voice for change. Register now and make a lasting impact!
