Marie Drexler Kolendo knows first hand the devastating toll that Alzheimer’s disease takes on afflicted individuals and their loved ones.

A close friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago while Ms. Kolendo was serving on the board of directors of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ms. Kolendo recalls her friend as “fun-loving and vivacious” prior to being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “She had a great sense of humor and she loved to travel.” 

She says her friend was in her late 70s when she was diagnosed.

“I distinctly remember a phone conversation with her prior to knowing about her diagnosis,” says Ms. Kolendo, who began serving as CEO of the Henrico County-based Alzheimer’s Association chapter on July 27. “She and I were catching up with what was going on in our everyday lives. And as we neared the end of the conversation, she said, ‘Who are you again?’ “I was shocked by the question. However, I told her who I was and we quickly laughed it off.  The possibility of Alzheimer’s crossed my mind. However, I quickly dismissed the possibility,” she adds.

Alzheimer’s disease is defined as a progressive, irreversible neurological disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is estimated that 5.3 million Americans of all ages suffer from the disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

She says when she learned friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she referred her to the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more about the disease and to find support groups.

Over the course of the next few years, Ms. Kolendo recalls, her friend progressed through the various stages of the disease. “She would repeatedly ask the same questions over and over. She would forget who I was until she heard my voice. She developed ‘sundown syndrome’ and she wandered away from the house during a violent thunderstorm,” she says.

 Her friend’s family and friends unconditionally loved and supported her as she was forced to leave her home and move into the memory care unit of an assisted living facility. She died about three years ago at 82.

“I have met more people like her in my short time as CEO and I am more determined than ever to achieve the mission and vision of our association,” Ms. Kolendo says.

That mission is “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health,” according to the group’s website.

In aiming to achieve that goal, Ms. Kolendo says her organization is organizing the 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Markel Plaza in Innsbrook in Henrico County. Details: (804) 967-2517, go online to www.alz.org/grva or email sgrady@alz.org.

Let’s get to know this week’s Personality, Marie Drexler Kolendo:

Date and place of birth: March 20 in Williamsburg.

Current home: Manakin-Sabot.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Commonwealth University; master’s degree, Averett University.

Family: Husband, Wojciech Kolendo.

When Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond was established: 1981. It became a chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Association in 1983.

Positions held when serving as an association board member: Treasurer; board president; immediate past president; chair of finance committee; and chair of development committee; Alzheimer’s ambassador to Sen. Tim Kaine.

Size of staff: 15 people, including three regional directors in Fredericksburg, Gloucester and the Tri-Cities area.

Size of budget: $1.5 million.

Source of income: Our largest source of income is special events, including the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Reasons to Hope Breakfast and The Longest Day. Our second largest source is individual contributions and then organizations and foundations.

What is dementia: Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning.

How to deal with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis: When someone receives an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, they should contact the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter at (804) 967-2580 or our 24-hour Helpline at (800) 272-3900. The association can provide the person with the disease and family members, with information and referral services to help them access necessary resources.

Role of Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The association provides care and support to all those affected.

Services association provides: Support groups for the caregiver and the person with the disease; a 24/7 helpline; information and referral services; care consultations; educational programs for long-term care professionals; educational programs designed to help family caregivers understand the medical aspects of the disease and to deal with the challenges of behavior and communication; safe return education programs; and respite programs that pay for professional care.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia population in Central Virginia: There are approximately 130,000 persons with the disease in the Virginia and approximately 26,000 in the Greater Richmond Chapter area.

Quality of care: The Alzheimer’s Association has committed to dramatically advance care and support services for families everywhere. We are working strategically and collaboratively to greatly increase accurate and early diagnosis for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and to set the standard for high quality care.

Importance of family support: An Alzheimer’s diagnosis affects the entire family. Spouses, children and relatives rearrange their lives and careers to be there for their loved ones. For every person with Alzheimer’s, there also are family members whose lives are changed forever.

Biggest challenges: Our biggest challenge is raising awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association and that there is an Alzheimer’s office in Richmond.

Foremost challenge facing underserved areas: African-Americans are twice as likely than white people to have Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Many individuals in underserved areas do not know that the Alzheimer’s Association has an office in Richmond.

What needs to be done: We need people in our community to assist in raising awareness of the association and the services we provide. We need volunteers to assist in raising more funds to support and expand our services.

What is a “brain healthy” lifestyle: A brain healthy lifestyle includes staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity, taking care of your health, eating a heart-healthy diet that benefits both your body and your brain, and staying socially engaged in your community. Research has suggested that combining good nutrition with mental, social and physical activities may have a greater benefit in maintaining or improving brain health than any single activity.

Who or what influenced me to do what I do: I was influenced by my parents who taught me to give back to my community. In my years serving on the Alzheimer’s board, I have been influenced by a dedicated group of community leaders and volunteers, as well as by persons with the disease and their caregivers.

Best late-night snack: Anything chocolate.

Quality I most admire: Honesty and integrity.

Greatest source of inspiration: The men and women who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, are caring for persons with the disease, and those sharing their stories of hope and courage to increase awareness and raise funds for research and support.

Biggest chance I ever took: Quitting work and going back to college full time to obtain my bachelor’s degree in accounting.

When I get restless: I go for a walk to clear my head and focus on the beauty around me.

If I’ve learned one thing in life it is: A smile and a word of kindness can make all the difference in the world.

Ultimate goal: A world without Alzheimer’s disease.