Like commentary writer Leilani Madison, I, too, had high hopes after reading Dr. Dale Bredeson’s book, “The First Survivors of Alzheimer’s” (“Engage isle kupuna in Alzheimer’s study,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 14). However, I found no affordable health-care practitioners in Hawaii specializing in this holistic dementia treatment protocol.

I would be the first to join a community of like-minded folks focused on more than the standard “prepare for the worst” message when it comes to Alzheimer’s. I am realistic about what my family’s future holds, but there is a real opportunity for holistic, alternative elder care for those concerned with memory loss. It takes a village, and we could create it here in paradise, but it will take the cooperation of medical professionals, nutritionists and lifestyle coaches in a coordinated effort.to build this supportive environment.

I am an active participant in the educational efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and Catholic Charities and am deeply thankful for the support and information they’ve provided. both virtually and in-person. Their work is so appreciated and needed! However, I feel like I have a foot in two worlds: On one side, I listen to the practical messages of acceptance and preparation; on the other, I reach for the very real messages of hope coming from doctors and others who share results in the arenas of diet, supplementation, exercise and creative therapies.

I believe both these avenues of support are important, and my heart is joyful reading about Madison’s hopes at Pohai Nani. I wholeheartedly support this effort.

Melanie Dorado Wilson, Ed.D.

Moanalua

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