“The Forget Me Knots,” an Alzheimer’s disease support group, held a bingo fundraiser Sunday afternoon at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance building to help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“All funds raised go to the Alzheimer’s Association, to help in research and treatments,” explained Grace Kern, a member of the Forget Me Knots. “This is our fifth year with the bingo fundraiser, and we have about 10 people on the team that help with this and other fundraisers.”

Most of the team members have family members that have or had Alzheimer’s.

“My mom and my mother-in-law passed away from it,” Kern said.

“I have a relative who is currently living with it, so it is difficult,” added team member Kathy Goff.

In addition to bingo, there was a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, special raffle drawings and a basket auction.

“We have 90 baskets in the auction,” Kern said.

The team started in 2016 with the Alzheimer’s Walk. Last year, there was no walk at least in Carbon County, so they became part of the Longest Day campaign. Now, the Longest Day has changed to “Do What You Love to End Alzheimer’s.”

Katie Kearney, a program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, made a surprise visit to the bingo.

“I work in education,” Kearney said of her work. “We teach people the importance of taking care of their brains right from early age to the end, and offer support. We help those living with the disease and their caregivers.”

One of the most recent studies for the Alzheimer’s Association was the U.S. Pointer Study, which was released this past summer.

“That was a study that showed there are things one can do to slow down mild cognitive decline,” Kearney said. “They include lifestyle changes, including exercise and movement, like yoga, and dietary changes. Also taking care of one’s cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure.”

There are also infusion treatments for those in the early stages of the disease.

“People also should be aware of our 24-hour toll-free hotline,” Kearney said. “1-800-272-3900. We are there to answer any questions anyone may have about Alzheimer’s.”