Ever like the idea of losing yourself in painting, but not sure where to start? Chester Village West is hosting a painting party on Monday, Aug. 21 in support of Alzheimer’s research, led by local artist Gloria Nilsson. The group will paint a floral arrangement using acrylics, in a setting suitable for a range of skill levels, from those who have never painted before to more accomplished artists.

Supporting Alzheimer’s research is nothing new for the residents and staff of Chester Village West, according to Jenny Smith, who spoke on behalf of the independent living facility. For the past five years, both employees and residents have participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a national effort that raises money both for a cure, and in support of families who are caring for someone who has the disease. The Chester Village West team will walk again in the Sunday, Sept. 24 New Haven Walk, as well.

“Several residents have been affected after joining the community,” said Smith. “Members see their friends suffering from the debilitating disease and want to do something. It’s a great concern when it comes to the wellbeing of others their age.”

While Alzheimer’s might be far from most people’s minds until they or a loved one must deal with it, the disease is prevalent in America, and the diagnosis rates for it and other dementias are expected to increase by more than 21 percent between 2017 and 2025. Alecia Coffin, the walk manager of the New Haven walk, explains Alzheimer’s is a degenerative neurological disease, the most common form of dementia. More than five million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is projected that 16 million will have the disease by 2050. In 2014, it was the sixth leading cause of death in Connecticut.

“Each dementia affects different parts of the brain. Alzheimer’s affects the whole brain. It is a fatal disease; people will die from it,” said Coffin. “There is no cure for it right now, and there are different stages to the disease. There are earlier stages where people might be forgetting some things but can still live on their own, but as the disease progresses, the individual’s ability to live alone or care for themselves is greatly diminished, and they need a caregiver.”

The Sept. 24 walk raises funds for research for a treatment or a cure, but also supports care programs and support groups for both those with Alzheimer’s and the loved ones and caregivers of those with the disease. It also helps to fund a toll-free helpline (1-800-272-3900), which is answered 24/7 nationally, and locally within Connecticut between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

“The helpline is there to help folks navigate the disease, whether they are caregivers, the family, or the patient. It is there to help come up with a care plan, and to help people find resources for a financial plan, doctors, assisted living, and to talk people through different situations, such as, ‘I have to take away my parent’s keys, how do I do that?’” said Coffin. “It can also help people who may suspect that they or a family member may have Alzheimer’s.”

The best defense, according to Coffin, is that if someone suspects they might have something going on, they go to the doctor and get checked out. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better chance there is to slow it down. She also suggests looking into trials, and joining support groups so that people stay socialized and not withdraw from their lives because of the diagnosis.

Nilsson, who will lead the Aug. 21 painting party, is familiar with the progression of Alzheimer’s and has been involved in a variety of art workshops at Chester Village West where she uses art as a way to help people get lost in something productive and fun.

“It’s something meaningful to me,” said Nilsson. “I’ve had relations who’ve passed from it, relations that are struggling with it, and current students at Chester Village West who are struggling with it. It’s important to me because it is something that so many people are struggling with.

“Art helps because you just get lost in it. Time is suspended, you become part of what you are doing, and it is a fantastic place to be,” continued Nilsson. “It’s wonderful to walk away with something you made.”

A painting party to benefit Alzheimer’s research will take place on Monday, Aug. 21 at Chester Village West, 317 West Main Street, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $35 donation; to reserve a spot call 860-526-6010. All proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut. Light refreshments will be served. Those looking for more information on Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, interested in learning more about the Alzheimer’s Association, or making a donation in support of the walk may visit act.alz.org. To access information about living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, call the Alzheimer’s Association helpline at 800-272-3900.