How You Can be a Voice in Preventing Dementia Through Miles for Memories

Written by Cat Splete | Photos by Johnathon Moulds

A special visitor with a virtuous mission visited the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s weekly Lunch and Learn at the Pine Creek Community Center on Wednesday, August 26. Social Service’s Director Meg Fairchild introduced attendees to Sherii Sherban, who spoke on behalf of a dementia awareness community stroll called Miles for Memories. This collaboration between organizations occurred for last year’s walk as well, with an end goal of providing knowledge and spreading awareness about both dementia prevention and increasing knowledge about caring for those in our lives affected by dementia.

Miles for Memories is based out of Calhoun County, providing services such as group caregiving trainings to wearable “TECH” (To Ensure They Come Home) gadgets used to help locate people living with dementia should they be found unaware of where they are. Because, as Sherban put it, “Dementia prevention is currently more attainable than a dementia cure,” it is projected that by 2050, more than 11,500 people within the county will be impacted by dementia. This number is daunting, but anyone can combat these odds with the right lifestyle choices and education on the signs and symptoms.

One of the biggest ways in which one can prevent a dementia diagnosis is with physical activity and exercise. “Movement matters!” Sherban emphasized. Weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activity, crafting, and all sorts of movements can sharpen hand-eye coordination and exercise both your body and your brain. Such activity goes hand in hand with the upcoming Miles for Memories community stroll, which both raises awareness of dementia and promotes the very movement that helps to prevent it.

Taking place in downtown Battle Creek at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, the Miles for Memories community stroll will see participants from across Calhoun County, including a team of NHBP Tribal Members and staff. Attendees will begin and complete the walk at Festival Market Square, where a cookout lunch and fun activities will be waiting for them. Registration for the event closes on Wednesday, September 2, but can be easily achieved by calling or texting NHBP Health Educator Katie Henley at 269.394.0297.

At NHBP, as is the case with Tribal Nations across the country, caring for Elders is an utmost priority, and dementia awareness and prevention can help ensure that the stories, traditions, and teachings they hold may not be lost. For information about Miles for Memories, or other resources for those affected by or caring for a person living with dementia, visit their website at milesformemories.org/.

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