Program director, Amanda Cole works at Rianda House, a senior center dedicated to fostering community and promoting brain health among older adults. Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association®, the center raises awareness about dementia. One of the ways they stay connected is by having a presence at Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Napa Valley. Amanda shares her hope to grow her team and inspire others to join the cause.

Brain health for seniors

Amanda Cole is the program director for Rianda House, a senior center based out of Napa, California. Rianda House was originally the home of a real estate agent who sold the house to the city in order to provide a place where seniors can come together and find community. The center offers a variety of opportunities including things like social activities and education programs.

Dementia disproportionately effects the senior community. According to the Alzheimer’s Association®, there are more than 7 million Americans over the age of 65 living with Alzheimer’s disease, with more than 700,000 living in California alone. While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to reduce the risk of getting this disease.

Positive, everyday actions can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer’s and dementia. Things like, learning new skills, regular exercise and eating healthy are all ways to reduce risk.

Because Rianda House works closely with the aging population, partnering with the Association was an easy choice. “A lot of people have a personal connection [with the disease],” said Amanda. “The Association gives us a lot. They’re providing classes and programs, and it’s encouraged us to want to have more health awareness months.”

Alzheimer’s education

Despite having a grandmother with dementia, it wasn’t until Amanda began working for Rianda House that she learned more about the disease. “I went to one of the trainings in San Rafael the Alzheimer’s Association puts on,” said Amanda. “I went for personal interest. When [people are diagnosed with the disease] you’re not given a lot of information or what to expect. I didn’t know how many types of dementia there were.”

Connecting with community

Since 2017, Rianda House has been participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Napa Valley, at Yountville Park in Yountville, California. There they set up a table, with several other local organizations, where they hand out information about resources available in the community.

“It’s always good to have a presence,” said Amanda. “We get information out about our programs, which are free regardless of income. We have all kinds of classes, fitness, art, brain health, music. It’s definitely beneficial to have a presence [at Walk].

“I think [having a table at Walk is] good for community partnership. A lot of people don’t know these things are out there. There could be [a table for] an organization where someone [at Walk] can benefit from something offered.”

Supporting Walk

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

“I love [Walk], it’s a beautiful day,” said Amanda. “The music is great and the ceremony is nice. They have a shorter and longer route [to walk]. [Participants] can pick what’s best and most suitable for them. It’s a really great event and honestly, we look forward to it every year.”

Amanda doesn’t come to Walk alone, instead she encourages people to join the Rianda House team. She and her fellow coworkers share information on how to sign up for their team by advertising for it in their newsletter, emails and especially at the community walk they host almost every week.

In 2024, Rianda House had 12-15 participants, and Amanda is hoping to have an even bigger turnout this year. Despite not having a formal fundraiser, Rianda House encourages participants to make a donation to Walk. In the past eight years, Rianda House has raised more than $24,000.

Amanda says, “People just want to give back to the community and be part of good and positive movements and I think that’s what the Alzheimer’s Association is.”

Join Amanda’s team, Team Rianda House, or start your own team for Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Napa Valley on September 6 in Yountville Park, Yountville.

If you’re interested in how your company can set up their table at a Walk contact your local Walk at alz.org/walk.

For an Alzheimer’s Association education program near you, visit alz.org/crf.