LJ Duenas on how Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi supports local families

Born and raised in Saipan, LJ Duenas moved to the U.S. at age 18, where he spent 10 years in Oregon before settling in Hawaiʻi “to be closer to family.” 

“I had a family home here and the weather is perfect. I enjoy spending time outdoors,” he told Aloha State Daily. 

Duenas said his grandparents live with dementia. “Prior to this role, I had heard about some of the health concerns folks in the community faced with dementia and caregiving in general. I was pleased to join the organization, especially at a time when we have so much to look forward to with treatment and early detection becoming accessible for communities here in Hawaiʻi.”

He added that one goal this year for the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides support services, care options and education for families and caregivers, is “ensuring we’re in all communities, especially rural communities in Hawaiʻi.”

“There are challenges that folks in Hāna, for example, have that we may not experience in communities here on Oʻahu,” Duenas said. “We have built strategic relationships with trusted partners on the Neighbor Islands that already have a presence, so there is opportunity for warm introductions that continue to build trust and credibility for our organization.”

Showing up consistently is another part of his approach. “Whether it’s a health fair or community event for 20, 50 or 200 people, we’ll be there.”

Duenas said outreach is made possible by dedicated staff members and volunteers who help deliver programs aligned with the mission of the national Alzheimer’s Association.

“Volunteers are an extension of our staff,” he said. “As a leader, I invest in recruitment, managing training and professional development. The goal is that they feel close to the mission.”

Part of the nonprofit’s mission is educating and addressing stigmas against dementia. “Raising awareness so people know what Alzheimer’s disease is and that there’s something they can do about it today,” he said. “Many people think it’s an age-related disease, but other diseases are also age-related, like diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers.” 

Among the challenges for caregivers in Hawaiʻi, who are dealing with the cognitive decline of their loved ones, cultural barriers can deter them from seeking help. “Organizations like ours and others can provide resources to reduce caregiver burnout – in some instances, caregivers die before their care recipient.”

The Empowered Caregiver Series, which started on Kauaʻi with plans to reach across the Islands, is a tight-knit, peer-to-peer support program for caregivers, offering practical tools and resources. “The best resource for a current caregiver is a past caregiver,” Duenas said. “It creates a sense of community. We want to see dialogue and information sharing for caregivers to discuss their challenges and successes.”

He encourages caregivers and those concerned with cognitive health issues to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900, which is staffed around the clock with dementia experts.

When asked how the community can best support the local chapter, he said, “We always need volunteers, monetary donations, and for community voices to join us in our advocacy and policy work. 

Duenas, who was named a Pacific Century Fellow in 2023, previously served as the Hawaiʻi Director of the American Diabetes Association. Today, he is a member of the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise and leads a small nonprofit called the Diabetes Research and Education Center of the Pacific, which offers an annual six-week diabetes program.

A list of upcoming events present by Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi can be found online here.

Alzheimer’s Association Hawaiʻi 
Executive Director LJ Duenas
24/7 helpline: 800-272-3900
Instagram: @alzhawaii
Website: alz.org/hawaii

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.