Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Encourages Community Support and Education
At the beginning of the month, I went to the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee to watch the musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s The Notebook. What a heartbreaking, yet integral reminder that was to me as we enter November, Alzheimer’s Awareness month.
Watching Noah share the details written in his notebook and seeing the dots connecting, and disconnecting, in Allie’s mind broke my heart, but reminded me of the reality that is dementia.
According to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, more than five million Americans are living with some form of dementia, and in Tennessee, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death. Hardeman County is fortunate enough to have access to several resources that can help families who are suffering with Alzheimer’s. One of those resources is Hardeman County’s dementia navigator, Sara Skinner.
Sara is fairly new to the position but is eager to assist families in Hardeman County. Most people know Sara through her many years of service at Bolivar General Hospital. Something many may not know about Sara is her very close connection to Alzheimer’s.
“My mother had Alzheimer’s and eventually passed away from the disease. When I heard about the job opening for the dementia navigator position, and learning the job would involve educating the community, working with providers, and assisting individual families, I considered it carefully and prayed fervently,” said Sara, who is grateful for the opportunity her role gives her. “The navigator position allows me to help others and honor my mother’s memory.”
Sara has worked ardently to provide Hardeman County residents with access to more resources. Each month, Sara hosts multiple dementia support groups she calls, “Senior Spark.” These programs provide a place for those living with dementia and their caregivers to learn ways to manage the disease, and also have a fun time. Some of the games Sara plays with Senior Spark participants include giant Connect Four and Family Feud. Sometimes, she even brings musicians with her. These support groups are offered bi-weekly at the local libraries.
In addition to support groups, Sara offers home visitations, identification bracelets, and just recently donated memory kits to the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library. The kits feature sensory objects for those with dementia to spark memories and create new ones.
As you go through November, make it one to remember. Remember those who cannot, and those who watch their family members forget. Spark conversations about Alzheimer’s by wearing a purple ribbon, or decorating your home or business with purple decor. Don’t have any purple decor? Join the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, to make purple wreaths. Consider attending a Senior Spark meeting, and learn more about the disease, and how you can help those who are suffering. Also, wear purple on Friday, November 21, 2025, as Hardeman County will participate in a “Purple-Out Day.”
“Until there’s a cure, there’s community.” – Alzheimer’s Association
Author Hannah Thompson
As the assistant director of the Bolivar‑Hardeman County Library, Hannah has the privilege of sharing her love of stories with the Hardeman County community every day. She is excited to do the same as a member of the Hatchie Press team. When she is not working, you’ll likely find Hannah reading in the company of her sweet feline children, Galinda and Galileo.
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