A bingo fundraiser was held Sunday afternoon at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association building in New Mahoning.

The “Forget Me Knots,” a local group that offers support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, hosted the event by raising funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

There were bingo, raffles, and a basket auction with numerous prizes to win. They had a bake sale with plenty of home-baked goods, and the kitchen was open with delicious foods.

“We originally started this (The Forget Me Knots) back in 2016 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” explained Grace Kern, coordinator of the fundraiser. “Once the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for Carbon County ended, we went to ‘The Longest Day,’ which is a different avenue of the Alzheimer’s Association. We have done this to represent family members that have passed away or are still living with Alzheimer’s.”

Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, was fist diagnosed by German physician Alois Alzheimer, a pioneer in linking symptoms to microscopic brain changes.

He had a patient who had profound memory loss, unfounded suspicions about her family, and worsening psychological changes.

His work in the field led to the founding of the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that offers research into the disease, helping those who either have the disease themselves or are caring for someone who has it.

Local groups like the “Forget Me Knots” help bring people together who either have loved ones with Alzheimer’s or have lost them to the illness.

“It was my mother, my mother-in-law, and two other family members that had passed away from Alzheimer’s,” Kern shared. “So it is very near and dear to our hearts. And then we have a family of other friends here that are a part of the group that have also had family or knew somebody else with it.”

“Grace and I work together,” explained volunteer Kathy Goff, “so that’s why we’re on the same team. And currently, I have a family member living with dementia.”

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Signs include:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life;

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems;

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks;

4. Confusion with time or place;

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships;

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing;

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps;

8. Decreased or poor judgment;

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities, and;

10. Changes in mood and personality.

Go to ALZ.org, click on the link for “The Longest Day,” and search for the “Forget Me Knots” to donate to their fundraising efforts.