Maplewood is working to provide more support to those suffering from progressive brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease that impact cognition, memory and daily functioning.
Health Outreach Coordinator/Age-Friendly Coordinator Gabe Suarez provided that update during his Board of Health report on November 4, after the Maplewood Township Committee had read a proclamation recognizing National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (see below).
“A special thank you for the proclamation,” said Suarez. “I will just say that my grandpa has Alzheimer’s, so that one especially is very personal to me.”
Suarez then reported that the health department is working to bring a “dementia caregiver support group to our 129 Boynton Avenue location, hopefully next year. So that’s something that we can definitely promote once we have more details.”
More information on Maplewood Township Older Adult Social Worker and Caregiver Support can be found here: https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/public-health-social-services/community-resources/seniors-caregivers-resources
From the Maplewood Township Committe:
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, judgment, and daily functioning, impacting individuals, families, and communities; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2026, a number projected to reach 13.8 million by 2060 without medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease; and, WHEREAS, Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and millions of family members and other unpaid caregivers provide ongoing care and support to people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and,
WHEREAS, increased awareness, research, early diagnosis, caregiver education, and access to support services are essential to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Victor De Luca, Mayor of the Township of Maplewood, on behalf of the Maplewood Township Committee, do hereby proclaim November 2026 as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in the Township of Maplewood and encourage residents to learn about the disease and support those affected by it.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that residents seeking information, caregiver assistance, or support services are encouraged to contact Alzheimer’s New Jersey at 888-280-6055 or visit alznj.org. Its helpline offers confidential assistance and connections to community resources, and its family support groups are free and open to the community.
