Appalachian Memory & Aging Initiative

10/18/2026

Untreated sleep apnea can certainly impact memory & thinking. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your sleep to explore evaluation and treatment options.

Could sleep apnea be mistaken for cognitive decline? 🧠

New research highlights the importance of recognizing sleep apnea and its potential effects on brain health.

Dr. David Gozal, vice president and dean of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, contributed to the research and shared his expertise with The Washington Post on how disrupted breathing during sleep can affect the brain and other organs.

🗞️ Read more: rebrand.ly/iwsmusn

10/09/2026

DARS needs your input on aging services! We are holding 4 in-person and 1 virtual listening sessions across Virginia. We want to hear from adults age 60+, caregivers, and professionals. Learn more and let us know you are coming.

Scan QR code below or visit DARS' State Plan webpage at: https://bit.ly/4i78W4W Questions? Call (804) 662-7093.

09/29/2026

For More Information Visit https://www.dickensoncountysheriff.net/wellness

09/29/2026

This is a wonderful service for older adults in Lee County, Virginia! 💜

For More Information Visit https://www.leecountysheriff.net/wellness

09/29/2026

This is a wonderful service for older adults in Scott County, Virginia! 💜

For More Information Visit https://www.scottcountyvirginiasheriff.com/wellness

09/24/2026

To all our fellow Southwest Virginians - this is a wonderful opportunity to have our voices heard in Richmond and across Virginia!

If you live in SWVA, please take a few minutes to complete this important survey that will inform statewide initiatives around aging-related services, and hopefully, help bring needed supports to our underserved region!

The survey closes tomorrow, so it is time-sensitive. Your input matters, and your participation is appreciated!

It is the final week for sharing your responses for The Virginia Center on Aging statewide needs assessment, Speak Up: Help Virginia Age Better!

This survey will inform the development of the next Virginia State Plan for Aging Services. It is for Adults Age 60+, Caregivers, and Advocates and Service Providers who are residents of Virginia. Individuals age 18 and older who live in Virginia are eligible to complete the survey.

Your responses to this survey are completely anonymous. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes and is best completed all at one time. Except for a few eligibility questions, all questions are optional.

Take the Survey: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=8JDCFCWEHPP9W47M

09/24/2026

09/21/2026

✨ Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, and early diagnosis matters! The Appalachian Memory & Aging Initiative supports people across Southwest Virginia who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. You don’t have to face the diagnosis alone - we’re here to help! 💜

09/15/2026

I enjoyed another meaningful day of outreach and connection in Wise County. 🫶

✨ Highlights included:

- Time spent with the lovely individuals that make up the Big Stone Gap Chapter of AARP. We built relationships, discussed brain health and that dreaded “D-Word,” and opened up opportunities for attendees to receive accessible mobile cognitive assessments through AMAI’s grant-funded outreach programming;

- A chat with Mark Blanton, owner of Union Drug in Big Stone Gap, who gave his support for AMAI to set up our “Brain-Mobile” at his pharmacy in the coming weeks to provide easy access for his customers to receive a cognitive screening; 🧠

- Simply a beautiful day traveling the roads of SWVA… I’m so grateful these mountains are my home!☀️

My hope is that this is only the beginning of the work we will accomplish through AMAI. As a founder, my desire is for the organization and its impact to linger throughout central Appalachia long after my years of service. 🙏🏻

~ Kelley Kinder, Founder & President
www.appalachianmemoryandaging.org