As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 population ages, an award-winning public health graduate student is working to improve policies that help 办奴辫耻苍补 (older adults) live safely and independently.

Kevin Peralta, a master of public health student in the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , recently received the at the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society 2025 conference. The award recognizes emerging leaders in aging research and highlights Peralta’s work on aging in place and fall prevention.

At the conference, Peralta delivered an oral presentation on fall risk factors, related health outcomes and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among adults 65 and older in Hawaiʻi, yet prevention remains underprioritized across legislation, insurance coverage and social services. Peralta鈥檚 work aims to inform stronger policy solutions.

“Too often, I observed older adults experiencing declines in mental health after losing their ability to live independently and with dignity,” Peralta said. “Many families rely on home modifications to keep their loved ones safe, but these preventive measures are often financially out of reach for low-income households. Institutionalization should be a last resort. More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.”

Turning research into action

During his practicum with Thrive for Life, Peralta helped develop lobbying strategies supporting the reintroduction of a Caregiver Tax Credit bill in 2026, which would give families tax relief to help cover costs of caring for older relatives at home. He also explored ways to expedite permits for home modifications and helped plan statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rallies in July 2025.

More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.
—Kevin Peralta

“Aging is something we will all experience,” Peralta said. “Supporting positive changes in current health policies, implementing aging-related health interventions, and providing financial stability for the aging population, would improve the quality of life for all persons through every phase of life.”

Expected to graduate in May 2026, Peralta plans to continue advancing policy solutions that support aging with dignity in Hawaiʻi.

“Kevin is making a difference in the community by integrating his academic research with community needs and policy action in his MPH degree,” said Tetine Sentell, a professor in public health and his advisor. “We are very proud of him and happy to see these important collaborations thriving.”

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (COA) researcher is gaining national recognition for advancing data-driven tools that improve the lives of 办奴辫耻苍补.

Jinyoung Jenny Lee has been accepted into the competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) program: .

Funded by the NIH through the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the program trains researchers and clinicians to use AI/ML in healthcare, strengthens infrastructure in communities and healthcare systems, and supports multidisciplinary projects that improve health outcomes. FHIR sets standards for the secure exchange of electronic health data.

“Given AI‘s current and future impact on our population’s health, I’m excited to have been selected for this multidisciplinary cohort to learn about accelerating and sustaining the adoption of AI in healthcare and research settings,” Lee said.

Translating data into tools for communities

Lee earned her PhD in public health from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and has consistently integrated technological innovation into her work at COA. Her research focuses on program evaluation and data analytics, with an emphasis on making complex data accessible and actionable for communities.

I hope to empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology.
—Jinyoung Jenny Lee

Among her projects is the creation of the interactive, user-friendly web page , which provides detailed demographic information about 贬补飞补颈驶颈’s aging population. She has also designed intuitive dashboards using data she collected and analyzed through her evaluation work with community organizations.

“Through my participation in the AIM-AHEAD training program, I hope not only to increase my knowledge and awareness of AI/ML but also to help empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology,” she said.

This research was, in part, funded by the National Institutes of Health Agreement No. 1OT2OD032581. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the NIH.

The Center on Aging is part of the .

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 aging population continues to grow—with nearly one-third of residents projected to be 65 or older by 2035—second-year medical student Kristal Xie at the (JABSOM) at the is being recognized for her dedication to caring for the state鈥檚 办奴辫耻苍补.

Xie recently received the N膩 Lima K艒kua Award from the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society, which recognizes students demonstrating exceptional dedication to gerontology. Presented in memory of the organization鈥檚 first president, Tony Lenzer, the award honors Xie鈥檚 service, research and commitment to older adults in Hawaiʻi.

“This experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing the health and well-being of older adults,” Xie said. “I鈥檓 grateful to my mentors, especially Dr. Kamal Masaki, and to my loved ones for their continued support.”

Early exposure sparks a passion for geriatrics

Xie鈥檚 interest in geriatrics began during her first year at JABSOM when medical students are required to complete community service. She was selected to participate in WISH—Wellness Initiative for Seniors in Hawaiʻi, a program that connects students with 办奴辫耻苍补 through weekly visits at Kuakini Medical Center.

Caring for our 办奴辫耻苍补 is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us.
—Kristal Xie

“Talking story with 办奴辫耻苍补 helped bring our classroom learning to life,” Xie said. “It made me more aware of how to meet patients where they are and think about what support they might need.”

Her experience with WISH inspired two research projects—one focused on strengthening family engagement in elder care and another examining the health impacts of social isolation. She is currently working on hospital discharge planning research aimed at improving communication and safety for older adults returning home.

“Caring for our 办奴辫耻苍补 is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us,” Xie said.

In addition to the N膩 Lima K艒kua Award, Xie has received multiple scholarships recognizing her work in gerontology. She is now considering a career in geriatrics, guided by mentors in JABSOM鈥檚 Department of Geriatric Medicine, one of the largest fellowship programs in the nation and serving communities across the U.S.

Read more at .

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has partnered with Gachon University, part of a consortium of five South Korean universities, to advance research and collaboration on aging and population change. Led by the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 (COA) and the Humanities-Utmost-Sharing System (HUSS), a South Korean government initiative, the agreement fosters mutual learning and international exchange.

South Korea, one of the fastest-aging societies in the world, offers insights valuable to Hawaiʻi and the U.S.During an August visit, a 24-member HUSS delegation explored COA鈥檚 dementia-friendly Hoʻ艒la ʻ膧ina Pilipili garden and met with staff to learn about aging initiatives in Hawaiʻi.

“The memorandom of understanding (MOU) encourages the exchange of faculty, students, academic information and collaborative research and learning initiatives,” said Jinyoung “Jenny” Lee, COA assistant researcher. “These exchanges will enhance educational outcomes and promote mutual understanding, particularly around population aging, demographic shifts and inclusive community development.”

Hyejoong Kim of Gachon University described factors driving Korea鈥檚 population decline, including low birthrates, high housing costs, and the challenges of raising children.

“We now have become a super-aged society. Bolstering resilience and inclusion for diverse generations and environments is central to our vision,” Kim said. “Our aim is to train many students to be experts in population change.”

Kim added that visiting 东精影业鈥檚 Center on Aging was one of the highlights of the delegation鈥檚 trip. The dementia-friendly garden, with its active volunteer engagement, left a strong impression, as such initiatives are rarely found in Korea.

The collaboration aligns with COA鈥檚 mission to advance applied, translational and community-engaged research focused on Hawaiʻi and the Asia Pacific region. COA is housed in the .

Anyone passing Krauss Hall in October may have noticed an uncommon campus sight: 办奴辫耻苍补 (older adults), m膩kua (adults) and 艒pio (youth) sharing pizza and meaningful conversation. The gathering marked the launch of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补驶s new Age-Friendly University Initiative, a long-term effort led by the Center on Aging (COA) in the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, with campus partners including the 东精影业 Retirees ʻOhana and the .

Co-planned over several months by a team led by COA gerontologist Christy Nishita and Professor Emeritus Noel Kent of ethnic studies, “Generations in Conversation” served as the initiative’s first step toward building a more inclusive, multigenerational campus. The event followed 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’s recent acceptance into the global .

“This is an association of higher education institutions around the world that are committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members, which strongly aligns with the mission and goals of our Center on Aging,” Nishita said.

Conversations that bridge generational divides

Participants of all ages split into pairs and small groups to explore 36 guided questions designed to spark curiosity, deep listening and connection. Facilitator Rob Chang, whose program builds bridges in correctional settings, helped participants quickly find common ground.

“Individuals shared that they had things in common they didn’t consider before with their partner or partners and that they felt comfortable to share,” said Whitney Katsutani, a COA social worker. “Rob also shared about how he does this work with justice-involved individuals and how connection and conversation go beyond the spaces they originate in.”

As COA continues developing age-friendly programming in the coming months, Nishita said events like this lay the foundation for deeper, ongoing intergenerational engagement.

“We start there, and then evolve into conversations of deeper social impact, working toward collaborative involvement in addressing larger community issues together,” she said.

Other 东精影业 members involved in the Age-Friendly University initiative include Joonyoung Cho, Emanuel Drechsel and Carole Mandryk.

Engaging in cultural and social activities is strongly linked to better mental health for Native Hawaiian, American Indian & Alaska Native elders, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 published in .

Researchers from the analyzed survey data from more than 19,000 older adults who participated in a national assessment sponsored by the . Conducted every three years, the survey helps inform planning, long–term care discussions & grant applications for programs that support Indigenous elders.

Traditions linked to better mental health

“We found that frequent participation in traditional cultural practices & social activities was strongly associated with better mental health,” said Miquela Ibrao, assistant professor and one of the study鈥檚 lead authors from the . “In contrast, functional limitations—such as difficulties bathing, dressing, cooking & cleaning for oneself—and caregiver burden were associated with poorer mental health.”

Among the three groups studied, Native Hawaiian elders reported the highest average mental health score.

“This may be because Native Hawaiian elders were most likely to regularly participate in cultural activities, as Hawaiʻi traditions like hula & mele are celebrated across the islands,” said Kathryn Braun, professor of public health sciences. “Also, the Native Hawaiian sample had the highest proportion of retirees.”

Ibrao said the findings highlight the value of community programs that honor cultural traditions, helping Indigenous elders stay mentally & emotionally healthy.

The research was co-authored by Jane Lee, Yan Yan Wu & Jordan Lewis of the Thompson school, along with collaborators from the Center for Rural Health at the , the & Southcentral Foundation.

The children鈥檚 storybook , which helps children understand Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, has been adapted into a . The story follows P艒mai, a young girl learning to support her Papa (grandfather) as he experiences memory loss, offering a gentle, culturally grounded way for families to start conversations about dementia. First released by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 in 2019 and translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in 2025, the story has reached keiki and caregivers across the islands.

Related 东精影业 News story: Dementia storybook released statewide

The animation was developed by Kalilinoe Detwiler, a 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 PhD candidate in English, with the , housed in the . It brings the storybook to life with vibrant visuals, expressive characters and narration voiced by H膩 K奴puna team members.

“We hope the book and video will open conversations between children, parents and 办奴辫耻苍补 about dementia in a cultural and age-appropriate way,” said Detwiler, who is an , and co-principal investigator for the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Seas project. “I enjoy spending time with the characters, imagining their expressions and who they might sit beside in the setting. I also enjoy imagining visual representations to subtle changes in their emotions and understanding of dementia.”

The project began in January 2025 and included storyboarding, visual design, background art, voice recording, animation and editing.

“As we create resources for ʻōpio (youth) and caregivers, we recognize there are mediums that best suit the intergenerational households in Hawaiʻi,” added Detwiler. “Animation is one of those mediums. It opens possibilities for stories that can be challenging or heavy,”

“The purpose of H膩 K奴puna is to enhance understanding of 办奴辫耻苍补, celebrate their lives, and improve eldercare services,” said Shelley Muneoka, H膩 K奴puna program coordinator. “Storybooks and animation help extend this information to new audiences in a meaningful way.”

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The first comprehensive guide for conducting qualitative interviews with Native Hawaiian elders (办奴辫耻苍补) has been released, offering researchers a culturally grounded framework for building trust and reciprocity. Developed by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 in partnership with , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian advancement, the guide aims to ensure research practices reflect Hawaiian values and benefit communities.

is a 48-page resource designed for students, faculty and community researchers. It provides practical tools for engaging 办奴辫耻苍补 in ways that honor cultural traditions, strengthen relationships and share knowledge responsibly.

“There are many past examples of extractive or harmful research practices with Indigenous people,” said Shelley Muneoka, a lead researcher on the study. “This protocol flips the script by placing cultural values, reciprocity and community well-being at the center of the research process.”

The free guide was published alongside a peer-reviewed article in and draws on more than five years of collaboration with 办奴辫耻苍补 across Hawaiʻi.

What the guide offers

The resource reflects principles of community-based participatory research and includes:

• Historical context on harmful research practices and the rise of Hawaiian-led approaches.
• Self-reflection tools for examining privilege, positionality and potential bias.
• Recommendations on entering communities, obtaining consent, conducting interviews and offering reciprocity through makana (gifts).
• Guidance on disseminating results in ways that return knowledge to participants and communities.
• Although rooted in Native Hawaiian experiences, the authors note the guide has broader relevance for research with Indigenous and marginalized communities worldwide.

“This qualitative protocol guide is about shifting historical research dynamics to recognize that Native Hawaiian elders carry the ʻike (knowledge) and values that should guide how research happens,” said Keilyn Kawakami, the article鈥檚 first author. “The guide is an important tool for students and faculty embarking on research with 办奴辫耻苍补.”

H膩 K奴puna, one of three National Resource Centers for Native Elders funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is housed in the .

The power of intergenerational storytelling and Indigenous-centered research through the voices of Native Hawaiian 办奴辫耻苍补 was spotlighted in a new University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 study.

The K奴puna Interview Project, published in the , offers a 360-degree view of lived experiences shared by elders across Hawaiʻi. It was developed through a partnership between 东精影业惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , housed in the , and ALU LIKE, Inc., a non-profit that supports Native Hawaiians with programs that foster self-sufficiency, well-being and cultural values.

Adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project used three Zoom interviews per participant to foster deep pilina (relationships). These talk-story sessions revealed rich narratives on family traditions, cultural practices, childhood memories and encounters with the healthcare system. In total, 30 办奴辫耻苍补 participated in the study.

“This article format privileges the voices of participants in research and highlights how research can have a positive impact on participants as well as on researchers,” said first author Rachel Burrage, Thompson school associate professor.

In recognition of their contributions to the project, 办奴辫耻苍补 received personalized video and print transcripts, along with a two-page story to pass on to their moʻopuna (grandchildren).

Emotional, cultural value of study

Community feedback underscored the emotional and cultural value of the project.

“I love telling stories, so having the memories of my stories living on for my moʻopuna (grandkids) really means a lot,” said Aunty Lovey (Leverne Toki). “More 办奴辫耻苍补 deserve to have their stories heard, and more of our keiki deserve to connect with their culture.”

More 办奴辫耻苍补 deserve to have their stories heard, and more of our keiki deserve to connect with their culture.
—Leverne Toki

Monique Ocampo, from Molokaʻi and raised in Kapaʻakea, added, “This interview process has the potential to be a medicine that can help others. The only criterion is that you make a difference in someone’s soul.”

For student researcher Keilyn Kawakami, the work was personally meaningful. “As a Hawaiian who did not grow up in Hawaiʻi, this project has been an opportunity to connect with my culture and deepen my understanding of Kanaka Maoli traditions.”

The K奴puna Interview Project stands as a model for community-based research grounded in kuleana, pilina and the enduring power of story for future generations.

With more than 35,000 Hawaiʻi residents living with Alzheimer’s, and the state’s aging population expected to grow, early detection and brain-healthy habits are crucial. To address this urgent public health issue, a new tool has been developed and launched as part of a statewide collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (COA) and the Department of Public Health Sciences鈥� (DPHS)鈥� Hawaiʻi Health Data Warehouse (HHDW) team in the .

This new interactive online tool, supports the Hawaiʻi 2025 State Plan on Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease & Related Dementias, provides real-time, localized data on brain health, cognitive decline, dementia prevalence, risk factors and caregiving across the state.

Real-time data tracks trends, issues

The Healthy Brain Tracker features interactive charts and dashboards by county and demographic group, offering data on cognitive disabilities, dementia rates, risk factors, caregiver roles and more. These tools help users visualize the scope of the issue, identify service gaps, and track trends over time.

“Public health surveillance data, like the kind available in the tracker, is essential for identifying important issues,” said Julia Chosy, an epidemiologist with HHDW. 鈥淚t helps measure the impact of programs and policy changes, ultimately improving the health of all our local residents.”

Research shows that changes in the brain can begin 20 years or more before symptoms appear, making timely access to information crucial for prevention and intervention.

“Data is very powerful, and we need this kind of data in the public health realm,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist at the Center on Aging. “There鈥檚 a lot of concern and impact on families, and the numbers are only going to grow because of our population aging.”

The tracker was developed over the past year through COA and DPHS HHDW, the Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Data Action Team, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Executive Office on Aging, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control’s Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure grant.

With aging populations on the rise worldwide, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (COA) is strengthening ties with Japanese researchers to lead the way in gerotechnology and community-based care for older adults.

Gerontologist and then-Interim Director Christy Nishita, and researcher Jinyoung “Jenny” Lee, were invited to the for meetings and presentations aligned with the 33rd International Biomedical Engineering Seminar. Their visit builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering research and innovation to support older adults in Hawaiʻi and Japan.

During the seminar, Nishita presented the center鈥檚 efforts to address dementia care, strengthen the eldercare workforce, and reduce social isolation in Hawaiʻi. Lee shared research focused on food security among the state鈥檚 diverse aging population.

Cross-cultural collaboration on eldercare

Their joint presentation, “Critical Eldercare Issues in Hawaiʻi and Opportunities for Collaboration,” emphasized Japan鈥檚 experience, where 30% of the population is age 65 or older, as a valuable model for Hawaiʻi, which has the nation鈥檚 highest life expectancy.

“The Japanese researchers were interested in how we built these relationships with community members,” Lee said. “Much of their research takes place in the lab, while we do community-engaged studies here in Hawaiʻi.”

Japanese researchers expressed interest in the U.S. eldercare policy landscape, including Medicare and Medicaid, and shared emerging tech-based approaches like robotics, AI and virtual reality. They were also intrigued by the , a Hawaiʻi-based network of nearly 300 organizations and 500 members that addresses eldercare through community engagement.

Building age-friendly communities

The visit also included a tour of , an intergenerational gathering space introduced to them by Emi Kiyota, founder of the Ibasho movement. Operated by Keio University and the local government, the space offers both structured activities and informal connection to reduce isolation and build community.

“It was a magical experience,” said Nishita. “We saw real potential to adapt this kind of model to our age-friendly work in Hawaiʻi.”

The visit reinforced the Center on Aging鈥檚 commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities for older adults across the Asia-Pacific region through shared learning and innovation.

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Center on Aging is housed in the .

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 aging population is growing faster than the rest of the U.S., with more than 21% aged 65 and older (compared to less than 18% nationwide) creating an urgent need for specialized healthcare for our 办奴辫耻苍补. In response, philanthropists Allen and Anne Abaya established the Nohara-Abaya Geriatrics Fellowship Award in 2023 at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM). Now in its second year, the award continues to support young doctors and nursing practitioners committed to careers in geriatrics.

Related 东精影业 News story: Critical shortage in geriatric medicine tackled by JABSOM pilot programs

“It makes you feel that what we are doing is worthwhile, you know? We鈥檙e getting more and more passionate about it because we see more examples of where the need is there,” said Anne Abaya.

Recipients make an impact

For alumnus Trace “Kaimana” Kalei, caring for 办奴辫耻苍补 is deeply personal. “In Hawaiʻi, our 办奴辫耻苍补 mean a lot to us, and being able to care for them is a way of us being able to give back to our ʻohana and to our community. It’s a privilege,” Kalei said.

Kalei also recognized the financial burden of training locally. “It’s a very valuable gift and we鈥檙e very grateful for it. It will help support many other folks down the road.”

Maxwell Shen discovered his interest in geriatrics during his JABSOM internal medicine residency program at Tripler Army Medical Center. “A lot of the patients that I took care of were the elderly population, so that鈥檚 where my interest grew,” he said. “It was really eye-opening to watch [my mentor] work, as well as giving me different types of pearls.”

Serving the elderly population has long been a goal for alumna Daniella Orias. “I, personally, have always loved geriatrics. It鈥檚 always been a huge part of my passion and so, even through my family medicine (residency) training, I鈥檝e always held a really soft spot for it,” she said. “It鈥檚 a really tremendous honor that they鈥檝e been providing this for us, so that we can keep trying to help out with our geriatric community and our 办奴辫耻苍补.”

Looking ahead

“As we look forward, the geriatric population is only going to get larger. This (program) will help to provide support for that,” Kalei said.

“We figure, anything we can do to help get those numbers up (those interested in geriatric care), it feels good,” Abaya added.

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A new study found that people who followed a dietary pattern known as the MIND diet were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or related forms of dementia鈥攅ven if they made brain-healthy food choices later in life.

Eating more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods—even later in life—can protect your brain.
—Song-Yi Park

The MIND diet鈥攕hort for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay鈥攃ombines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. It emphasizes proven brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil. The is based on data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults in the (MEC), a landmark study co-led by the 东精影业 Cancer Center and the University of Southern California.

“Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer鈥檚 and related dementias,“ said lead author Song-Yi Park, professor in the 东精影业 Cancer Center鈥檚 Population Sciences in the Pacific Program.

Improving diet over time shows major benefits

Participants were aged 45–75 at baseline, and more than 21,000 developed dementia during the follow-up years. Those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over 10 years had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined.

“The take-home message is encouraging,” Park said. “It鈥檚 never too late to make changes. Eating more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods—even later in life—can protect your brain.”

Diet-dementia link varies by race, ethnicity

The results showed a stronger risk reduction among African American, Latino and White participants, but not among Native Hawaiian or Asian American groups. Researchers believe cultural dietary patterns and naturally lower dementia rates in some populations may explain the differences.

Related 东精影业 News story: Dementia risk factors differ among ethnicities

“We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among African Americans, Latinos and Whites, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,” Park said.

The findings, released during Alzheimer鈥檚 and Brain Awareness Month, were presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Authors included four UH Cancer Center researchers, Park, Lynne R. Wilkens, Lo褩c Le Marchand and Unhee Lim, and collaborators from USC and the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute.

“This study highlights the power of large datasets and research generated by our University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researchers,” said 东精影业 Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “These findings offer guidance and hope.”

June is Alzheimer鈥檚 and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer鈥檚 disease affects an estimated 31,000 Hawaiʻi residents, about 11% of those age 65 and older. As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 population continues to age, the number of Alzheimer鈥檚 cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Gina Fujikami, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 and a geriatrics medicine physician, shares insights on prevention, early detection and advances in diagnosis and treatment.

What is Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, and how does it affect the brain?

Alzheimer鈥檚 is a type of dementia caused by a buildup of amyloid and tau protein plaques in the brain. These plaques lead to brain damage, resulting in memory loss and cognitive difficulties. While these proteins often begin accumulating in middle age, not everyone with them develops Alzheimer鈥檚, and much about the disease remains unknown.

How has diagnosis and treatment improved recently?

Diagnosis has advanced from relying mostly on clinical exams and memory tests to now include specialized blood tests and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans that detect amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These tools enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis. In terms of treatment, new medications target these plaques to slow disease progression, though research continues on their long-term benefits.

How can people reduce their risk, and how can they tell normal forgetfulness from symptoms of the disease?

Maintaining heart health through exercise, managing blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure is important for brain health. Mental and social activities like puzzles and socializing also help. Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but consistent memory issues that interfere with daily life, such as forgetting routes home or leaving appliances on, should prompt a medical evaluation.

What is the situation with Alzheimer鈥檚 in Hawaiʻi, and what support services are available?

About 31,000 residents in Hawaiʻi鈥攁round 11% of those 65 and older鈥攁re living with Alzheimer鈥檚. Cases are expected to double by 2050, creating challenges for families and caregivers. The provides caregiver support groups, educational programs and outreach, including support groups for those in early stages of dementia.

What is the Silver Alert system, and how does it help those with cognitive impairments?

Recently implemented in Hawaiʻi in July 2024, the Silver Alert is a community notification system similar to the Maile Alert for missing children. It is used when seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments go missing, helping law enforcement and the public respond quickly to ensure their safe return.

Fujikami and colleagues will be featured in an upcoming event, Research Roundtable: The Era of Treatment, hosted by the Alzheimer驶s Association Hawaii Chapter, June 14 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at JABSOM. .

Located along Metcalf Avenue at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 College of Education, is both a garden and an educational hub. In April, it welcomed dozens of visitors who helped test a new inclusivity checklist developed by researchers from the . A initiative, the garden emphasizes ʻāina-based learning and community connection.

The , part of a research study “Exploring the Usability, Appropriateness, and Inclusivity of the Dementia-Friendly Garden Checklist,” is led by Melody Halzel, a PhD student in public health, and Christy Nishita, interim director of the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 , who serves as principal investigator. The study focuses on accessible garden interventions for older adults and people with disabilities, including those with dementia and their caregivers.

“The use of this checklist is for community sites to identify and remove common barriers to inclusion,” Halzel explained. “The items are aligned with evidence-based research and the ADA-accessibility guidelines to provide recommendations to design and implement accessible garden sites in Hawaiʻi.&rdquo

Research has shown that gardening offers both physical and mental health benefits, particularly for individuals with dementia. However, traditional gardens can be difficult to navigate for older adults and people with limited mobility.

“Gardening can be a calming, non-pharmacological intervention,” said Halzel. “An age-friendly and dementia-friendly accessible garden attempts to eliminate barriers to participation鈥揳 goal the checklist was designed to support.”

Checklist walkthrough aims to improve inclusivity

Participants received a checklist with 45 items grouped into categories, such as “accessible entrance,” “garden beds and pathways,” “safety” and “sensory features.” As they walked through the garden, they checked off features they observed, including raised beds or shaded seating, and offered additional feedback.

Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili, once an underutilized space in 2022, now flourishes with native plants like mamaki, a native Hawaiian plant, and kalo, ʻōlena, rosemary, lilikoʻi, cherry tomatoes and more. It features elevated planter boxes, resting areas and wide pathways, all designed with accessibility in mind.

Growing community resource

东精影业ees took home a clean copy of the checklist, along with a guide detailing how to build accessible gardens, including approximate costs and dimensions for beds, paths, seating and shade.

Support for the garden has come from across 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补. Summer Maunakea, associate professor of curriculum studies in the College of Education, integrates it into her ʻāina-based education classes, while the Center on Aging has offered ongoing guidance to grow the site into a model for other communities.

During the event, organizers previewed the next phase: the development of an age-friendly caf茅 and education program, offering a space for learning and connection.

Community work days

Community members are invited to take part in monthly work days this summer at Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili. Held every second Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the gatherings offer opportunities to engage in hands-on garden care, including harvesting, weeding, and preparing herbal teas and l膩驶au bundles from plants grown on-site.

Two longtime University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 faculty members, Kathryn Braun and Cullen Hayashida, played key roles in the 20th anniversary conference of the (ACAP) held in Fukuoka, Japan, in March 2025. They joined a 10-member Hawaiʻi delegation, including representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and local 办奴辫耻苍补-serving organizations.

The conference brought together experts from more than 40 countries to share knowledge on dementia-friendly communities, digital inclusion, migration and care work, and intergenerational relationships.

Braun, professor of public health at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and current ACAP president, is the principal investigator of the federally-funded in the . She highlighted Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rapidly aging population and the value of learning from other countries鈥� experiences.

“Hawaiʻi is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation, but not as fast as Japan and several other Asian countries,” said Braun. “These gatherings help us adapt successful models to meet Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique needs.”

Hayashida, graduate affiliate faculty in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , and , is the founding director of the K奴puna Education Center at Kapiʻolani Community College. He described ACAP as a vital network of researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to active aging.

“Active retirees should pivot from just being youthful to becoming useful contributors,” he said.

ACAP welcomes members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in monthly webinars and international knowledge exchange. Membership is free. To join, email Kathryn Braun at kbraun@hawaii.edu.

A new study by researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 examines how Indigenous communities define elderhood, and how this role supports healthy aging. Led by Yu-Chi Kalesekes Huang and Kathryn Braun of the , the research reviews 20 scholarly publications to shed light on how elders contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Elderhood as a cultural role

The study looks at a range of Indigenous populations, including Inuit, M茅tis, and First Nations in Canada; Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Tongans and Native Americans in the U.S.; M膩ori in New Zealand; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia; and the Aymara tribe in Chile.

Published in the , the study identifies six common themes across cultures, finding that an elder is someone who:

• Is respected for living, knowing and teaching traditional knowledge
• Is committed to passing down wisdom to younger generations
• Continues contributing to the community
• Provides a vision for the future rooted in tradition
• Is not necessarily defined by age
• Acts as a care provider

These findings highlight that elderhood is a respected status earned through cultural stewardship, community service and wisdom, rather than age alone. Supporting individuals in attaining this role can promote healthier aging and enhance community resilience.

“We believe the important contribution of this research lies in emphasizing the key role of Indigenous elders in tribes and communities,” said Huang, who also studied the elders of her hometown of Sapulju Village. “For Indigenous peoples, the title of ‘elder’ is earned by playing a continuous role in preserving cultural traditions and enhancing community resilience, which brings benefits to the overall health and well-being of the community. If an older person earns the title of elder, they are seen as having aged successfully and embody the principles of healthy aging.”

The study calls on policymakers and community leaders to embrace culturally grounded approaches that honor the vital role of elders in strengthening the health and resilience of Indigenous communities.

In February, University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 programs brought dementia education and caregiving resources to Molokaʻi, offering residents a rare chance to connect with experts and support services close to home.

Hosted by the at the and (GWEP) at the , in partnership with ALU LIKE, Inc., the event drew strong community interest and highlighted the growing need for aging and brain health support in rural areas.

“Sharing knowledge outside the walls of academia is critical,” said Miquela Ibrao, associate director of H膩 K奴puna. “When we equip families and caregivers in rural areas with the tools they need, we reduce health disparities and empower communities.”

For Curtis Crabbe, attending was personal. “I initially showed up to learn about my potential in acquiring dementia,” he said. “I ended up observing the huge disparity Molokaʻi has in disseminating any information on dementia and its associated challenges.”

Held at a time when access to health education on the island remains limited, the event featured a talk by Aida Wen, GWEP principal investigator and geriatrician with The Queen鈥檚 Health System, along with interactive sessions in Tai Chi, Hawaiian language, and creative writing. Social worker Sara Tompkison and Alzheimer鈥檚 Association鈥檚 Cindy Fowler led a session on the Positive Approach to Care.

To increase long-term access to geriatric services, GWEP and Queen鈥檚 have begun offering telehealth support to 办奴辫耻苍补 on Molokaʻi.

Organizers say the momentum is growing. A follow-up event is planned for September to share more about brain health and caregiving resources. This effort is part of a larger initiative by H膩 K奴puna and ALU LIKE to reach underserved communities statewide. Previous events have taken place in Kona, Hilo and P膩hoa.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is seeking participants for a national research registry aimed at increasing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) representation in aging studies. In collaboration with researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of California Irvine, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 is launching a multi-year initiative to expand the CARE 2.0 registry.

Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the project builds upon an earlier UCSF-led initiative called CARE (Collaborative Approach for AANHPI Research and Education). This expanded phase seeks to recruit more AANHPI individuals for aging-related studies while addressing barriers to participation and enhancing community engagement.

“Our team in Hawaiʻi is excited to be part of this national effort to diversify research participation,” said Christy Nishita, interim director of the Center on Aging. “By partnering with community organizations, stakeholders and cultural informants, we aim to increase awareness of the value of aging research and ensure that findings reflect the diverse experiences of AANHPI populations.”

CARE 2.0 eligibility and registration

Participants who join CARE 2.0 may be contacted for research on topics such as brain health and caregiving. Studies vary in commitment, from one-time surveys to long-term data collection, and participation is always voluntary.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Identify as Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
• 18 years or older
• Speak English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hawaiian, Hindi, Ilokano, Japanese, Korean, Samoan, Tagalog or Vietnamese
• Reside in the U.S. or U.S. Associated Pacific Islands
• Willing to be contacted for health research

First-time research participants are encouraged to apply to help address health disparities in AANHPI communities. .

The 东精影业 Center on Aging will also provide educational resources on healthy aging, including brain health tips and support services for caregivers and those living with dementia. Student volunteers will serve as CARE ambassadors to assist with recruitment while gaining valuable research experience.

Expanding AANHPI research participation

AANHPIs are the fastest-growing racial groups in the United States, yet from 1992 to 2018, less than 1% of the National Institutes of Health鈥檚 budget was allocated to AANHPI research. Nishita emphasized that Hawaiʻi鈥檚 multiethnic population provides an ideal environment to recruit participants for the CARE 2.0 registry.

“Beyond enrollment, we hope to gain insights into challenges, effective outreach strategies, and opportunities for increasing AANHPI participation in scientific studies on aging,” she said.

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 are advancing efforts to enrich ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) with new eldercare terms, blending cultural heritage with modern healthcare concepts to ensure the language鈥檚 relevance for future generations.

Related 东精影业 News story: Free Hawaiian language resources help enhance responsible 办奴辫耻苍补 care

Their work was recently highlighted in an article published in , authored by PhD student Kepoʻo Keliʻipaʻakaua, program coordinator Shelley Muneoka, and principal investigator Kathryn Braun with the Thompson school鈥檚 . Assisted by Kumu Kapili Lyon at the , the initiative aims to preserve and strengthen Native Hawaiian perspectives on aging while ensuring accessibility for future generations.

“From our work so far, we have gained a lot of insights and learned a lot of terms and concepts that are perhaps new to us today, but were commonly understood in the past,” said Keliʻipaʻakaua. “Most importantly, we see how much more remains to be learned.”

Building on decades of efforts to revive ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, H膩 K奴puna spearheaded three major language projects:

• Glossary featuring 231 Hawaiian terms related to elderhood
• Collection of 109 Hawaiian proverbs and sayings about aging
• Hawaiian-language translation of the children鈥檚 book on dementia, P艒mai and Her Papa

New words for modern medical concepts

Since ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi historically lacked specific terms for modern medical concepts such as “Alzheimer鈥檚 disease” and “geriatrician,” the research team developed new words through recommended linguistic processes. These processes include combining existing Hawaiian words or adapting words from non-Polynesian languages to Hawaiian spelling.

Some of the new eldercare-related terms include:

• Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease: Maʻi ʻAlekahaima
• Dementia: Kemenekia
• Geriatrician: Kauka Kilo Mākule
• Neurologist: Kauka Kilo Lolo
• Health Plan: Palapala Hoʻolālā Ola Pono

Expanding ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in public health and eldercare strengthens cultural ties to aging while preserving Hawaiian values and traditions. By creating terms that align with the Hawaiian language and worldview, researchers make eldercare discussions more accessible in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

“We are humbled to contribute to understanding elders through the wisdom of our ancestors,” said Keliʻipaʻakaua.“Through this initiative, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi continues to evolve, honoring the past while adapting to the needs of the present and future.”

The glossary, proverb collection and translated book are accessible through .