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Volume 22, Number 3 • Summer 2004www.alzmass.org
24-Hour Helpline: 1.800.548.2111
Mark YourCalendars Now!4th Annual Alzheimer’sat TanglewoodTuesday, August 3
Order your tickets now for amagical evening of summer music!See p. 16 for details.
Annual MeetingTuesday, September 14
Our Massachusetts Chapterwelcomes you to this year’s AnnualMeeting at the Worcester Centrum.See Calendar section for details.
Memory Walk 2004Saturday, Sept. 18 thruSunday, Oct. 3
Make a difference in the lives ofloved ones and families by takingpart in one of our 10 walks.See p. 13 for details.
insideFrom the President ........................2Advocacy Victories.....................6, 7Research Update .......................4, 5African-American Forum..............8Summer Education Calendar..10-12Development ....................13-15, 17Regional News ......................16, 17Early Stage Dance........................18Support Group Listings ..........19, 20
Massachusetts Chapter NewsletterThe Massachusetts Chapter serves the entire statefrom Cape Cod to the Berkshires.
Advances in Alzheimer’s DiseaseBy Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D.
Research in Alzheimer’s disease is pro-ceeding at a rapid pace. It is driven bythe recognition that unless prevention ortreatment strategies are found, the U.S.health care system will be unable to carefor ever-increasing numbers of individu-als who will develop AD and relateddementias.
The most recent estimate wasobtained by a Chicago team.1
Researchers measured incidenceof Alzheimer’s disease in 3,838individuals and converted it toU.S. Census Bureau estimates ofU.S. population growth.They con-cluded that in 2000, there were4.5 million persons with Alzheimer’s dis-ease in the U.S. population, and that thisnumber will increase to 13.2 million by2050.
Advocates, community leaders, and educa-tors (L to R) Conchita Rodriguez, Chapter
Hispanic Outreach Coordinator; Felix Arroyo,Boston At-Large City Councilor; and
Afternoon Keynote Speaker Miriam Brewerof the Alzheimer’s Association’s Public
Policy Institute in Washington, DC inspiredmore than 300 attendees at the 3rd Annual
African-American Community Forum onMemory Loss, We Are Family!, in
Dorchester in April. (See story, page 8.)
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The Alzheimer’s Association: the compassion to care, the leadership to conquer
An increasing amount of evidence indicates that some leisure activities aredecreasing the risk of developing dementia.(See related story, p. 18)
continued on page 4
Inset: Bernie and Barbara Shapiro of Marlborodance cheek-to-cheek as they celebrate Bernie’s80th birthday at our Early Stage Dinner Dance.
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The quiet pmonths ago“Fate favorremember Mnected seemplines, and have come prepared m
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By Jim Wessler
In June, the Alzheimer’s Association joined theworld in paying tribute to the loss of formerPresident Ronald Reagan.We are proud of thelong partnership with President and Mrs.Reagan,starting in 1983 when President Reagan designat-ed November as National Alzheimer’s DiseaseMonth; and continuing through the creation ofthe Alzheimer’s Association’s Ronald and NancyReagan Research Institute in 1995.
We are grateful for President and Mrs.Reagan’scourage and generosity in working to increasepublic awareness of AD.A fitting tribute to the lifeand legacy of President Reagan would be to joinwith the Alzheimer’s Association, to create a worldwithout Alzheimer’s.One easy way to join thiscause is to walk with us this fall in the Associa-tion’s Memory Walk.
Why do we walk? Many of us walk for the sakeof exercise.We walk to maintain our cardiovascularhealth, and as we have recently learned,we walkto reduce the risk factors associated withAlzheimer’s.
But on the dates of September 18, 19, and 26 andon October 2 and 3,we walk for another rea-son—we walk for the 4.5 million American fami-lies dealing with AD.We walk for the promise ofeffective medical treatments that will lead to acure.We walk for those who have Alzheimer’s, fortheir care-partners and for future generations,hoping that they will inherit a world withoutAlzheimer’s.
On those early fall days,we will walk in theAlzheimer’s Association’s 12th Annual Memory
Walk (see p. 13).We expect to be 6,000 strong.Weknow that multiple generations, from all walks oflife and from all corners of our state,will join oneof the Association’s ten Walks. Please join us. Forma team, and tell your friends, your family, your
classmates, and your colleagues at work.Write tothem, e-mail them, call them, visit your neighbors,do whatever it takes—we need your help.
We will not conquer Alzheimer’s unless we arewilling to step out publicly in support of thiscause.Unless we raise the necessary funds to sup-port both the care and cure components of ourmission,we will not achieve our vision of a worldin which Alzheimer’s has been relegated to a foot-note in our history books.
Annual Meeting. On September 14,we hopeyou will join us for our afternoon Annual Meetingat the Centrum in Worcester (see p. 10).This is atime when we elect our Board of Directors, reflecton the year’s accomplishments, and honor some ofour Chapter’s remarkable volunteers.
One of these triumphs, as you’ll read about in thisissue, is the recent decision by the Secretary of Vet-erans Affairs to keep the Bedford VA dementiafacility open (see p. 6).This culminates a year’sworth of advocacy efforts by family members, bythe Alzheimer’s Association, and by our verysupportive congressional delegation.
As a final note, years ago, on the occasion of ourAssociation’s 20th Anniversary,we honored one ofour founding members and a visionary in the fieldof Alzheimer’s, Dr. Marott Sinex. Sadly,Marottdied in early January of this year.Although Marottwas in poor health these last few years, I have nodoubt that he must have been quite proud of theamazing scientific progress in the field of dementiaresearch and the equally remarkable growth of theAlzheimer’s Association.Marott, it will be ourhonor to fulfill your vision, initiated more than 24years ago.
Staff. The Alzheimer’s Association is blessed witha very talented and dedicated staff.We are pleasedto announce our newest member: Adam Frank,
Development Officer.�
BOARD OF DIRECTORSOfficersRoberta Rosenberg, MEd,
Chairperson of the BoardJoanne Chaulk, RN, BSN, Vice Chair/Chair,
Education CommitteeDonald A. Davidoff, PhD
Treasurer/Chair, Finance CommitteeMary Anne Stout, ClerkOther Executive Committee MembersPaul Attea, JD,
Chair, Administration CommitteeDonald N. Freedman, JD,
Chair, Public Policy CommitteeMary Ann Marino, Co-Chair,
Development CommitteeReisa Sperling, MD,
Chair, Med/Sci Advisory CommitteeOther DirectorsMark Ailinger, NHASandy AlbrightJeffrey Berry, PhDElena ChoyJane Cloutterbuck, PhD, RNPaul Donovan, JDDavid Drachman, MDLillian Glickman, PhDAnn Hurley, DNSc, RNCharles V. Keane*Donna Koski, RNPamela KunkemuellerBenjamin Liptzin, MDNancy Fernandez MillsBrian O’HearneDennis J. Selkoe, MDMaureen Siergie, MS, LSWMarcia Simons*Stanley Solomont, BSB*StaffJames Wessler, MBA, President and Chief
Executive OfficerMelissa Arsenault, Office ManagerJeannie Banas, Western MA Education
CoordinatorLawrence Barr, Development SpecialistChristine Brown, Worcester Community
Relations CoordinatorWendryn Case, Administrative Assistant,
Western MASandra DeOliveira, BookkeeperKathleen Doyle, Director of Public PolicySue FitzPatrick, AccountantGerald Flaherty, Director of Special
ProjectsAdam Frank, Development OfficerHeidi Ganss, MS, Director of DevelopmentBeatrice Goldberg, Safe Return Asst.Rachel Hawk, RN, MSN, Director of
EducationKathryn Hedgepeth, Director of Western
Regional OfficeDebra Katt-Lloyd, Greater Lowell
Coordinator/Chapter Support GroupLiaison
Susan Kelley-Grasso, Advocacy OutreachCoordinator
Michael Kincade, Sr., Outreach ManagerDiane McCafferty, Cape Cod & Islands
Regional CoordinatorMarcia McKenzie, Community Services
Coordinator, Western MANancy Nichols, Medical Education Project
CoordinatorJulie Palmieri, Worcester County
Coordinator Betty Jo Prins, Director of Finance and
AdministrationPaul Raia, PhD, Director of Patient Care
and Family SupportConchita Rodriguez, Hispanic Outreach
CoordinatorJeanette Rosa-Brady, Media SpecialistElaine Silverio, Early Stage Programs
CoordinatorGinny Sinkoski, Regional Helpline
CoordinatorErin Tiernan, Development AssistantBrenda Vitale, MSW, MIS CoordinatorSheila Watnick, Associate Director of
Development/Special Events ManagerErin Whalen, Helpline CoordinatorLydia Zizza, ReceptionistEditorial BoardRachel Hawk, Chair; Catherine Votaw, MS,RN, Editor; Gerald Flaherty; Paul Raia, PhD*Emeritus© 2004 Alzheimer’s Association,
Massachusetts Chapter, Inc.Brian K. Johnson, Design ConsultantPrinted by Fidelity Press
2 • MA Chapter
From the President: Walking Tall
36 Cameron AvenueCambridge, MA 02140617.868.6718 • Fax: 617.868.6720www.alzmass.orgOutside the 617 area: 1.800.548.2111
Cape Cod & Islands: 508.375.6303Lowell Area: 978.937.5576Western MA: 413.787.1113Worcester: 508.799.2386En Español: 617.868.8599
can takesteps overxt decadefindingfectivements forheimer’ssease.
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The quiet passing of Marott Sinex severalmonths ago made me think of the old adage,“Fate favors the prepared mind”. I will alwaysremember Marott Sinex as someone who con-nected seemingly disparate ideas, fused disci-plines, and connected people who would neverhave come together were it not for his ownprepared mind.
He had a childlike curiosity in all things greatand small, which gave him the persona of ahuman train wreck because he appeared so scat-tered.This “nutty professor” image was some-what self-cultivated, I think; but nonetheless, itwas his most endearing quality.
Pioneer. He profoundly influenced the way weas a society define and understand the process ofaging. For example, Marott was one of thefounders of the Gerontological Society ofAmerica and one of its early presidents.Alongwith several others, he wove togetherresearchers, human service providers, andAlzheimer’s family members to form TheSociety against Dementia in Boston, which laterbecame the Massachusetts Chapter of theAlzheimer’s Association.
Ever the networker, Marott brought togetherseven other similar organizations from aroundthe country to form the National Alzheimer’sAssociation in 1980. He served on the Boards ofDirectors of both Chapter and national organi-zations, and participated in both as an Emeritusmember until the time of his death.
In addition, he forged a work group of research-ers from a variety of disciplines at Boston Uni-versity Medical School, where Marott spentmost of his career in the Biochemistry Depart-ment, and charged them to find the causes ofAlzheimer’s disease and its link to Down’s Syn-drome. In this way, Marott’s prepared mind bentthe course of fate, just a little, to create a wave ofintellectual change.
Personally, I will remember Marott most for tak-ing me under his wing early in my career.As amentor he was sometimes gruff, sometimes out-rageously demanding, talking way over my headfor the most part, and always, always inspiring.Part of his prepared mind lives on in those of uswho were privileged to be his students. �
—Paul Raia, Ph.D.Director of Patient Care and Family Support
The Alzheimer’s Association mourns the loss offormer President of the United States RonaldReagan. Our heartfelt condolences go out tothe Reagan family.
President Reagan’s legendary sense of hope andoptimism were a source of inspiration, especiallyto the 4.5 million Americans with AD and theirfamilies and friends, and the many millions morearound the globe.We are grateful that Presidentand Mrs. Reagan worked tirelessly to increasepublic awareness of this devastating disease, aswell as the need for accelerated research in sup-port of effective treatments, preventive measures,and a cure.
The Reagan Research Institute is part of theAlzheimer’s Association’s research program, thelargest private funder of Alzheimer research inthe world. In addition to the Reagan family’scontributions to raising public awareness andfunds for research, Mrs. Reagan has long been
an honorary memberof our national Boardof Directors; MaureenReagan was an activeBoard member untilher untimely death in2001.
Past investment inAlzheimer research bythe federal govern-ment and the Alzheimer’s Association has beenrewarded by phenomenal progress in scienceduring the decade since President Reagan wrotea courageous letter announcing to the Americanpublic and the world that he had been diag-nosed with AD.
We are honored that the Reagan family hasnamed the Alzheimer’s Association as one ofthree institutions for which it encourages dona-tions in honor of President Reagan. �
MA Chapter • 3
Marott Sinex: 1923 to 2004
Ronald Reagan: 1911 to 2004
in memoriam
Marott’s preparedmind bent thecourse of fate,just a little,to create a waveof intellectualchange.
The Alzheimer’sAssociation is one ofthree institutionsdesignated by theReagan family fordonations in honorof President Reagan
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balance andtraining witexercising eleast 30 minwere taughmodify patiproblems thday-to-day interaction and caregiv
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This increase will mainlybe due to large numbersof individuals 85 years ofage and older (8 million)and 75 to 84 years old(4.8 million).The num-ber of people 65 to 75years old with AD willremain relatively stable.
Hope. Despite these pro-jections, there is hopethat the estimates of inci-dence will not actuallyprevail, in light of newtreatments being devel-oped. Memantine (Namenda®) was recentlyapproved for treatment of moderate and severeAlzheimer’s disease.
This drug acts by a different mechanism thanthat of cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil(Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®) and galanta-mine (Reminyl®); improves both cognition andfunction; and is very well tolerated.2 Memantinealso provides additional benefit when added tolong term treatment with cholinesteraseinhibitors.3
In addition, a drug with a completely differentmechanism of action than that of currently usedmedications was recentlyinvestigated.Accumula-tion of beta-amyloid,which may be the causeof Alzheimer’s disease, isenhanced by the metalions copper and zinc.Clioquinol, a drug whichinhibits binding of zincand copper ions to beta-amyloid, may inhibitamyloid accumulationand toxicity.
A small study involving36 subjects with moder-ately severe AD, random-ly assigned to either clio-quinol or placebo,showed that clioquinol-treated individuals did
not deteriorate, while theplacebo-treated subjectsdid.4 Investigators alsonoted an indication thatclioquinol affects amyloidmetabolism, because bloodlevels of one amyloid formdeclined in clioquinol-treated subjects, butincreased in the placebogroup.The drug was welltolerated, and further larg-er studies are beingplanned.
Activities. Before newdrugs for treatment of AD are available, otherstrategies may be helpful with this disease.Anincreasing amount of evidence indicates thatsome leisure activities are decreasing the risk ofdeveloping dementia.
The most effective activities were found to beplaying board games, playing a musical instru-ment, and dancing.5 The risk of developingdementia was also decreased by reading, andpossibly by doing crossword puzzles and walk-ing. Interestingly, writing, participating in groupdiscussions, and physical activities other thandancing and walking did not have any effect.
Increased leisure activi-ties may also benefitindividuals who havealready developedAlzheimer’s disease.Arandomized study com-pared patients and theircaregivers who receivedspecial training withpatients and caregiversreceiving routine med-ical care.6
The special trainingincluded an exercisecomponent and care-giver education.Theexercise componentinvolved aerobic/endurance activities,strength training, and
NewPublication
Assisted Living Con-sumer Guide:What to Look ForWhile Evaluating anAssisted Living Facilityfor Someone with Mem-ory Impairment, is acomprehensive newbrochure by theAlzheimer’s Associa-tion, MassachusettsChapter. It outlinesthe important featuresand questions to ask,and what to look forin evaluating an assist-ed living residence.For a free copy, con-tact any of our officesor call 617.868.6718.
4 • MA Chapter
Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease continued from page 1medicine & science
Caregiver supporthas already been
shown to delaythe need for
institutionalization.
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balance and flexibilitytraining with the goal ofexercising every day for atleast 30 minutes. Caregiverswere taught to identify andmodify patient behavioralproblems that impairedday-to-day function andinteraction between patientand caregiver.
Better health. This exer-cise training and caregivereducation resulted inimproved physical healthand decreased depression inpatients with Alzheimer’sdisease.At two years,researchers also found atrend for decreased institutionalization in theexperimental group (19%) compared to theroutine medical care group (50%).
Caregiver support has already been shown todelay the need for institutionalization to a simi-lar degree as pharmacological treatment withcholinesterase inhibitors.7 The effect of caregiversupport is most likely mediated by better man-agement of behavioral symptoms of dementia.Arecent study showed that caregivers who wereeducated about management of behavioralsymptoms were bothered less and less by thesesymptoms, while caregivers who did not receivethis education were bothered more and more.7
Interestingly, the actual behavioral symptomswere identical in both groups and were increas-ing at the same rate.We already know thatbehavioral symptoms are the most common rea-son for institutionalization of Alzheimerpatients.These study results indicate that institu-tionalization depends not only on the degree ofbehavioral symptoms, but also on the caregiver’sresponse to them.
Comfort. As long as we lack effective preven-tion or treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s dis-ease, we will need to provide appropriate carefor people with even very advanced disease.Anapproach concentrating on maintaining patientcomfort instead of maximal survival may beappropriate, but is underused.
A recent study found that only 1% of patientswith dementia who died within one year of
admission to a nursinghome were considered tohave life expectancies ofless than 6 months, but71% actually died duringthat period.8 Residentsdying with advanceddementia were more likelyto be exposed to aggressivemedical interventions thatdecreased their comfort(e.g., tube feeding, labora-tory tests, restraints, andintravenous therapy) thanwere patients with termi-nal cancer.
Greater recognition thatadvanced dementia is a
terminal illness would improve quality of end-of-life care for these individuals, and assurecomfort during the dying process.We need tobe sure that we improve management of peoplewith AD at all stages of the disease. �
MA Chapter • 5
medicine& science
Ladislav Volicer,
M.D., Ph.D. is
Professor of
Pharmacology and
Psychiatry, Boston
University School
of Medicine; and
Clinical Director,
Geriatric Research
Education Clinical
Center, E.N. Rogers
Memorial Veterans
Hospital, Bedford,
Massachusetts.
while thesubjectsrs alsoion thats amyloidause bloodyloid formquinol-butplacebowas wellrther larg-ing
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References1. Hebert LE, Scherr PA, Bienias JL, Bennett DA, Evans DA. Alzheimer disease in the
US population—Prevalence estimates using the 2000 census. Arch Neurol 2003;60(8):1119-1122.
2. Reisberg B, Doody R, Stoffler A, Schmitt F, Ferris S, Mobius HJ, et al. Memantine inmoderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med 2003; 348(14):1333-1341.
3.Tariot P, Farlow MR, Grossberg GT, et al. Memantine treatment in patients withmoderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease already receiving donepezil. A randomizedcontrolled trial. JAMA 2004; 291:317-324.
4. Ritchie CW, Bush AI, Mackinnon A, Macfarlane S, Mastwyk M, MacGregor L, et al.Metal-protein attenuation with iodochlorhydroxyquin (clioquinol) targeting Abamyloid deposition and toxicity in Alzheimer disease—A pilot phase 2 clinical trial.Arch Neurol 2003; 60(12):1685-1691.
5. Verghese J, Lipton RB, Katz MJ, Hall CB, Derby CA, Kuslansky G, et al. Leisureactivities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. N Engl J Med 2003; 348(25):2508-2516.
6. Teri L, Gibbons LE, McCurry SM, Logsdon RG, Buchner DM, Barlow WE, et al.Exercise plus behavioral management in patients with Alzheimer disease—A randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003; 290(15):2015-2022.
7. Mittelman MS, Roth DL, Haley WE, Zarit SH. Effects of a caregiver intervention onnegative caregiver appraisals of behavior problems in patients with Alzheimer’s dis-ease: Results of a randomized trial. J Gerontol [B] 2004; 59(1):27-34.
8. Mitchell SL, Kiely DK, Hamel MB. Dying with advanced dementia in the nursinghome. Arch Intern Med 2004; 164(3):321-326.
adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 5
By Jeanette
On March up-and-comsupported bthe Alzheimresearch prosummaries scientific stuaudience ofthe NationaMuseum in
The fascinaLeading the Reisa Sper
Research atBrigham anChairpersoScientific AAuerbach,
Neurology School of MChapter’s S(see p. 16).
Four Massagrants in 20tion has funworldwide,minds are aAlzheimer’s
Resear
By Susan Kelley-Grasso
Warm spring weather welcomed the Massachu-setts advocates attending the 16th Annual PublicPolicy Forum in Washington, DC March 20-23.Early stage people, care-partners, health careprofessionals, and Association staff from chaptersacross the nationgathered to advocatefor an increase of $40million in NationalInstitutes of Health(NIH) funding forAlzheimer’s-relatedresearch.
A volunteer leaderfrom Massachusettsreceived the presti-gious 3rd AnnualMaureen Reagan Outstanding Advocate award.Pamela Worden of Groton has served as aleader of AmeriVAD, an organization of familymembers of the residents of the dementia longterm care unit at the Bedford VA Hospital.
AmeriVAD has successfully led efforts to pre-vent the closure of the Bedford VA facility (see
story, below). In accepting her award, Pamelagave an impassioned, eloquent speech praisingthe assistance she has received from theAlzheimer’s Association. She acknowledged theoutstanding program at the Bedford VA as wellas the research program in which her husbandAndrew participates.
Congressional meetings were scheduled forMonday and Tuesday on Capitol Hill to advo-cate in support of the Alzheimer’s Association’slegislative program. Board member Paul
Donovan flew down on Monday to join ourteam of advocates in meetings with our con-gressional delegation.
Teamwork. Arriving on Capitol Hill, we passedother Alzheimer’s advocates in the halls andstreets, all of us giving each other encourage-ment. Our advocates consisted of family mem-bers, health professionals, and staff. It was a verysuccessful visit, with our congressional delega-tion agreeing to support the increase in researchfunding and other Association priorities.
Now is the time to start planning for next year’sforum—so mark your calendars for the 17thAnnual Public Policy Forum April 30 to May 3,2005.We need all advocates to attend this meet-ing, helping us to realize our goal of $1 billion
in annual research funding through NIH. �
6 • MA Chapter
16th Annual Public Policy Forum
AmeriVAD Founder Pamela Worden (3rd from L) was hon-ored with the 3rd Annual Maureen Reagan OutstandingAdvocate Award by Chapter President Jim Wessler at thePublic Policy Forum in Washington, DC in March. Fellowadvocates (L to R) Betsy Peterson, Chapter AdvocacyOutreach Coordinator Susan Kelley-Grasso, NancyEmerson Lombardo, and Molly Chambers joined in the cer-emony at the Capital Hilton Hotel.
advocacy
Now is the time tostart planning fornext year’sforum—so markyour calendars forthe 17th AnnualPublic PolicyForum April 30 toMay 3, 2005.We need alladvocates to attendthis meeting!
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News Flash:
Bedford VA Hospital To Remain Open!As this Newsletter goes to print, we have just received news ofVeterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Anthony J. Principi’s decision to sup-port the CARES Commission recommendation to keep open theinpatient services at the Bedford VA Hospital Dementia Unit.
We want to thank the Massachusetts congressional delegation for theirstrong support, and for working closely with AmeriVad (family mem-bers of Bedford VApatients) and theAlzheimer’sAssociation, MAChapter to preventthe closure of thisrenowned dementiaunit dedicated toexcellence in care,research, andtreatment.
A family group presented 12,000 signatures onpetitions to help support veterans at the Veterans DayRally at the Bedford VA Hospital last fall.
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By Kate Do
On April 2this year’s aTime of Crisday was a p
This year’s pAlzheimer’sfamily, frienpresentationearly stage pcaregiver; SDavis-Cary
Travaglini;
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By Jeanette Rosa-Brady
On March 11, three of theup-and-coming researcherssupported by grants fromthe Alzheimer’s Association’sresearch program unfurledsummaries of their ongoingscientific studies before anaudience of 400 guests atthe National HeritageMuseum in Lexington.
The fascinating evening panel presentation,Leading the Way to a Cure, was moderated byReisa Sperling, M.D., Director of ClinicalResearch at the Memory Disorders Unit ofBrigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston andChairperson of the Chapter’s Medical &Scientific Advisory Committee; and Sanford
Auerbach, M.D., Associate Professor ofNeurology and Psychiatry at Boston UniversitySchool of Medicine, and Chairman of theChapter’s Statewide Advisory Committee (see p. 16).
Four Massachusetts researchers received newgrants in 2003.To date, the Alzheimer’s Associa-tion has funded more than 1,300 projectsworldwide, ensuring that the best and brightestminds are attracted to the field; and making theAlzheimer’s Association the largest private fun-
der of research into the caus-es, treatment, and cure forAlzheimer’s in the world.
Researcher Agustin G. Yip,
M.D., Ph.D. of BostonUniversity School ofMedicine received his grantfor a project to help under-stand the genetics behind thevascular changes that takeplace in the Alzheimer brain.
The other researchers—John Ladias, M.D. ofBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Marta
Lipinski, Ph.D. of Harvard Medical School; andEvgeny Rogaev, Ph.D., D.Sc. (who was unableto attend) of the University of Massachusetts—are all working on projects that will help deepenthe scientific understanding of how the proteinstructures and enzymes involved in Alzheimer’sfunction on a molecular level. Understandingthe exact sequence and role of these mecha-nisms is vital to the development of new treat-ments, and ultimately in finding a cure.
Our research program is supported entirely byprivate funds.We extend both our own deepappreciation, and that of our researchers toyou, our donors, for making these and all ourresearch projects possible through your generoussupport. �
MA Chapter • 7
Research Event Spotlights New Grantees, Offers Hope medicine & science
Chapter Board ChairRoberta Rosenberg (L)greeted Dr. Marta Lipinski(R) of Harvard MedicalSchool at the researchpanel event at theNational HeritageMuseum in Lexington.
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Scientific research servesas a searchlight.
By Kate Doyle
On April 29, more than 200 advocates attendedthis year’s annual LEAD Day event, Coping in theTime of Crisis, at the State House in Boston.Theday was a phenomenal success.
This year’s program provided an overview ofAlzheimer’s disease and its impact on caregivers,family, friends, and society.The agenda featuredpresentations from Ms. Cathleen McBride, anearly stage patient; Mr. John White, familycaregiver; Secretary of Elder Affairs Jennifer
Davis-Cary; Senate President, Robert
Travaglini; Health Care Chair, StateRepresentative Peter Koutoujian; and co-sponsor of our adult day health bill, StateRepresentative Walter F. Timilty.
Clear voices. Numerous legislators and staffers,people with AD and family members, elder careworkers, and other advocates filled the audienceat the Great Hall.The voices of our advocateswere effectively heard, as we were successful inmoving our legislative priorities ahead: fundingfor adult day health programs, PrescriptionAdvantage, and direct worker initiatives.
The Massachusetts Chap-ter wants to offer ourmost sincere appreciationto all of you for your tire-less efforts on behalf ofLEAD Day.You deservetremendous credit foradvancing our legislativepriorities forward. �
Advocates Make the Difference!advocacy
Advocates Cathleen Mc-Bride (L); Elaine Silverio,Chapter Early Stage Pro-grams Coordinator (C); andChapter Board Member,Public Policy CommitteeChair; and Panel ModeratorDonald Freedman (R) invig-orated participants at the2004 LEAD Day.
PHOT
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By Michael P. Kincade, Sr.
The Third Annual African-AmericanCommunity Forum was held April 2 at theRussell Auditorium in Dorchester. In keepingwith tradition, as Massachusetts ChapterMulticultural Outreach Coordinator and Forumhost, I asked the eldest person present permis-sion to begin the day.
After the90-year-oldparticipantgave herblessing, Iwas over-come withjoy at seeingover 300beautifulBlack faces,and sang afew bars ofthe songand Forumtheme, WeAre Family.
In his wel-come, Presi-
dent Jim
Wessler shared with the group that theAlzheimer’s Association had just recentlychanged its slogan as well its symbol. He wenton to state that “we may have changed our look,but we are still here to help and advocate onyour behalf.”
Following this introduction, Ms. Sheila Burch,
Outreach Coordinator of the Harvard Program
on Aging, introduced Dr. Pamela Sheridan ofBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Return-ing for her third year, Dr. Sheridan again spokeabout the differences between normal memoryloss and dementia.As always, she brought a senseof humor and compassion to her topic. For thefirst time,Alzheimer’s Association staff were pre-sent to provide one-on-one consultations forthose with personal health questions.
Continuing with the healthy body/healthymind theme, the second speaker was well-known nutritionist Ms. Janie Tarver. Ms.Tarver provided the crowd with updated infor-mation on healthful foods to eat, and appropri-ate activities that they could enjoy.
She also revealed some secrets to cookinghealthy without losing the taste. One interestingmethod she suggested was substituting herbs andspices for salt on food. By the conclusion ofJanie’s presentation, it was clear that many par-ticipants were ready to start eating better.
Fortunately, the next agenda item was the lunchhour jam.While the food was being served, theaudience was entertained by Boston’s owngrand jazz diva Ms. Eula Lawrence and herband, Plus Three.
Also in keeping with tradition,Alzheimer’sAssociation appreciation awards were presented.This year’s awardees included former BostonElder Affairs Commissioner Joyce Williams
and longtime Alzheimer’s care specialists Ms.
Donna Allen and Ms. Betty Galloway. A spe-cial award was presented to Ms. Shirley Coffey
for her years of volunteer service to theAlzheimer’s Association.
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(L to R): Donna Allen, 2004Awardee; Rev. Thomas W.O. Mayers; Sheila Burch,Harvard CooperativeProgram on Aging; MikeKincade, Chapter OutreachManager and Forum Host;and Vy Linda Johnson,Caregivers Alliance.
(L to R): CatherineHardaway, Central BostonElder Services; JoyceWilliams, 2004 Awardee;Franklin Ollivierre,Honorary Co-Chair; andAlfred Davis, BostonHousing Authority com-pared notes.
8 • MA Chapter
3rd Annual African-American CommunityForum on Memory Loss Packs House
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By Porter Shimer
Prima Publishing, Roseville, California
(2002): 295 pages.
Reviewed by Pamela S. Kunkemueller
Here at last is a down-to-earth, nuts and bolts,realistic primer for both AD patients and theircaregivers. It is easy to read, yet full of essentialinformation.At the same time, it is compassion-ate, compelling, and complete.
All that you need to know is either here directlyor accessible by easy-to-find specific references.This should be the first book of choice forpatients, caregivers, and their doctors, all of whohave gaps in their knowledge as to how thisinsidious disease presents itself, and what to doabout it once it does.
Shimer begins by placing the disease in historiccontext, continues by defining its characteristics,and then proceeds to explain the effects it hason everyone concerned. He clearly believes inthe adages that “knowledge is power” and “thetruth shall set you free”.
Empowerment. The author suggests a multi-plicity of ways to manage the effects of this dis-ease to the best advantage of all concerned.Through his entire work, however, hope is theguiding principle: hope for understanding, hopefor coping mechanisms to make life worth liv-ing for all involved—and above all, hope that
the day will soon come when AD will nolonger afflict anyone.
This is a book that can be read cover to coverwithout feeling overwhelmed; it can alsobecome an easy reference guide.Almost everypage has highlighted boxes containing summa-rized information; subtitles are both plentifuland informative.
It is, as the cover statement suggests,“YourFriendly,Authoritative Guide to the Latest inTraditional and Complementary Treatments…”.From pre-diagnosis warning signs to end-of-lifeconsiderations, Shimer virtually holds the read-er’s hand while telling him kindly all he needsto know to make the best possible choices atevery turn in this admittedly difficult journey. �
The afternoon session began with personal care-giver testimony from Rev. Thomas W.O.
Mayers of St. Mark’s Church in Dorchester.Rev. Mayers described how caring for his father,who had AD, had become a difficult task. Heexplained that by becoming involved with theAlzheimer’s Association, his family was able tolearn and better understand what was happen-ing. It was a touching and moving moment formany attendees.
And then it was time to end the day.The finalspeaker, Ms. Miriam Brewer of the national
Alzheimer’s Association’s Public Policy Institutein Washington, DC, energized the crowd byexplaining to them how to make their voicesheard.
She explained that as caregivers, they can beeffective in creating change. Ms. Brewer chal-lenged the group to come to Washington, DCnext March for the annual Alzheimer’sAssociation Public Policy Forum (see p. 6), tolift their voices together at the national level. �
OrderingInformation
To purchase NewHope for People withAlzheimer’s and TheirCaregivers by PorterShimer in a softcovervolume, contact us at617.868.6718 or visitour web site atwww.alzmass.organd print thePublications Order Form.Prices: Chaptercontributors $16.95,others $18.95.
MA Chapter • 9
Book Review: Gentle GuidanceNew Hope for People with Alzheimer’s and Their Caregivers
African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss cont. from page 8
on next page
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A kindergarten class delights in wooden rabbits paintedfor them by seniors; keeping busy, as Shimer suggests,offers hope and maintains connections.
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Train the Trainer: A Program for DementiaCare Professionals
This day-long professional education program is designed to
teach participants to become trainers within their community
agencies or facilities. One or two representatives attend to learn
about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Habilitation therapy,
behavior issues, activities, and more.After the program, the
representatives return to their facilities to teach other staff
members.
Pre-registration is required for this full day of training, and the
charge is $500 for two representatives from an agency. Contact
Melissa Arsenault for information and registration at
617.868.6718.
• Tues., Oct. 5: 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Taking Control of Alzheimer’s Disease:Techniques for Early Stage Patients andtheir Care-Partners
Developed for early stage people with memory disorders, this
four-part series explores ways in which symptoms can be man-
aged and abilities maintained longer.These sessions combine
education and support to enhance understanding of dementia,
and to show how early stage persons can participate in deci-
sions affecting their lives.
The course runs for two hours per session, for four consecutive
weeks. It is free of charge and has limited enrollment. Early
stage people, care-partners, and other family members should
plan to attend together.
• Tuesdays: Sept. 14, 21, 28, and Oct. 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Acton Council on Aging. For information on this program
and registration, contact Arlene Parillo at 781.863.1166 or
e-mail [email protected]
• Wednesdays: Oct. 13, 20, 27, and Nov. 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Alzheimer’s Association, Cambridge Office. Contact
Elaine Silverio at 617.868.6718 x205 or e-mail
Please call Elaine Silverio at 617.868.6718 for series in other
areas to be scheduled in the fall and winter.
2nd Annual Night to RememberDon’t miss this year’s festivities at Smuggler’s Den in
New Bedford. Proceeds from this event, organized by
John Spencer, will benefit the Association’s programs
and services. DJ dancing, dinner, and a raffle are all
part of this special evening. $20 donation at the door.
For more information, please call John at
508.993.8303 or 774.263.3670.
Fri., July 23: 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
4th Annual Alzheimer’s at TanglewoodFeaturing Tanglewood on Parade with a special
performance by the Boston Symphony and Boston
Pops Orchestras. Contact Kathryn Hedgepeth at
413.787.1113 or [email protected]. See
p.16 for details.
Tues., Aug. 3
Alzheimer’s Association, MassachusettsChapter 2004 Annual MeetingThis year’s statewide gathering will be held at the
Worcester Centrum,Worcester, MA. For further
information, contact Jeannie Banas, 413.787.1113 or
Tues., Sept. 14: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
2004 Memory WalkSat., Sept. 18 to Sun., Oct. 3
Contact 617.868.6718 or [email protected] or
www.memorywalkma.org
See page 13 for complete details!
Autumn Golf OutingThe Ipswich Country Club is offering a special day
of golf for Association supporters with a 12:00 noon
shotgun start.Your greens fee of $125 will include a
cart, and $50 will be donated to the Alzheimer’s
Association. If you’re interested in enjoying a beauti-
ful fall day at this scenic, exclusive golf course, please
contact golf pro Steve Carter at
[email protected] or 978.356.4822 x320.
Mon., Oct. 4
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Getting Started: What To Do When YourFamily Member Has Memory Loss
Designed especially for family members, this program providesinformation about how to get a diagnosis, understanding andaddressing difficult behaviors and communication problems,and how to find and what to expect from local resources.Presented by trained Alzheimer’s Association staff and volun-teers. Group size may be limited. Program is free of charge.
For all programs, please call 800.548.2111 for more informa-tion or to register.
The Alzheimer’s Association is grateful to Citizens Bank
Foundation for their generous support of this program.
Sites and Schedules:• Adams: Adams Council on Aging, 20 East St. Presenter:
Sheri Iodice.Wed., Aug. 18: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Attleboro: Attleboro Council on Aging, 25 South Main St.Presenter: Jamie Gutner. Co-Sponsored by the Bristol,Norfolk, & Plymouth Alzheimer Partnership.Tues., Aug. 24: 4:30-7:00 p.m.
• Billerica: Billerica Council on Aging, 25 Concord Rd.Presenter: Mal Allard. Co-Sponsored by the MerrimackValley Alzheimer Partnership.Thu., Sept. 23: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Falmouth: Date
and place to be
announced; please call617.868.6718 or visit our web sitewww.alzmass.org after Aug. 1 for details.Presenter: Diane McCafferty.
• Holyoke: Providence Hospital, 1233 Main St., 1st Floormeeting room. Presenter: Karen Harper.Thu., Sept. 16: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Lowell: Lowell Council on Aging, 276 Broadway St.Presenter: Debra Katt-Lloyd.Tues., Oct. 19: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
• Somerville: Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland St.Presenter: Erin Whalen. Co-Sponsored by theCambridge/Somerville Alzheimer Partnership.Thu., Sept. 16: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Swansea: Swansea Council on Aging, 458 Ocean GroveAve. Presenter: Paulette Masse. Co-Sponsored by theAlzheimer Partnership of Southeastern Massachusetts.Wed., Sept. 22: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• Ware: Mary Lane Adult Day Health Center, 85 South St.Presenter: Ginny Sinkoski.Wed., Aug. 25: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Save the Dates!Steger Jazz Concert
Plan to attend the 3rd Annual Jazz Concertfeaturing the talented Elliot Steger & Trio,
to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.Theconcert will be held at the National HeritageMuseum in Lexington. Sponsored by the LibertyAlzheimer’s Partnership.Fri., Nov. 5
Annual Simons Research Symposium
Plan to attend our 14th Annual Simons ResearchSymposium on Alzheimer’s disease at the Charles Hotel inCambridge, MA. Mary S. Mittelman, Dr.P.H. of New YorkUniversity School of Medicine, will be the featured speaker(see p. 12). Please call Jeannie Banas for details at413.787.1113.Tues., Nov. 9: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Partnership Education Conference
Care-partners and health professionals are invited to join us for “DifficultQuestions…Caring Responses”, an education program to be held at theOrchard Cove Assisted Living Auditorium in Canton.
The featured speakers will be Michael Cantor, M.D., J.D.; Rabbi
Samuel Seicol; Joan Garity, Ed.D., R.N.; and Barbara Tortorella,
M.S.W. Participants will explore the challenges of coping with the dif-ficult medical, emotional, and spiritual issues arising throughout the
continuum of a memory-challenging progressive illness; and devel-op perspectives on how to address these issues if and when they
arise.
Application will be made for Nursing and Social WorkCEUs (anticipated 5 CEUs). Presented by the Bristol,
Norfolk, & Plymouth Alzheimer Partnership. Formore information and to request a brochure,
contact [email protected].
Wed., Oct. 27:
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
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Legal and Financial Issues & Answers
For people in any financial situation, this 11/2
hour program will offer information by an elderlaw attorney about such important topics asprotecting yourself against future incapacity(using durable powers of attorney, health careproxies, and medical directives); and making thebest use of Medicare and MassHealth(Medicaid) to help finance care at home or in anursing home while protecting other familymembers.Too many people wait until it’s toolate before learning about these issues.
While this program is not intended to substitutefor a personal appointment with an elder lawattorney, you will have the opportunity to hearabout typical issues and problems that can beavoided or reduced by adequate planning.
Pre-registration is necessary. Please call800.548.2111 to register. Space constraints maylimit group size.This program will be offered atvarious times and sites throughout the year.
Sites and Schedules:• Woburn: Woburn
Council on Aging, 144School St. Presenter:Atty. DonaldFreedman.Thu., Sept. 30:
3:00-4:30 p.m.
• Greenfield: Greenfield Public Library, 402Main St. Presenter:Atty. Joan Golowich.Wed., Sept. 22: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
• Falmouth: Please call 617.868.6718 or checkour web site at www.alzmass.org for the dateand place. Presenter:Atty. Paul Attea.
• Plymouth: Plymouth Public Library, 132South St. Presenter:Atty. Brian Barreira.Tues. Aug. 10: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
• Warren: Warren Senior Center, 2252 Main St.Presenter:Atty. Karen Jackson.Wed., Sept. 8: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Alzheimer’s 101
This program is for professionals such as nurses,social workers, home health aides, or nursingassistants who are new to the field. It providesinformation about the nature of Alzheimer’sdisease, the diagnostic process, related disorders,stages, and treatments. Presented by Dr. Paul
Raia. Free of charge, but pre-registrationis necessary. Space is limited. Please
call Melissa Arsenault at617.868.6718.Alzheimer’s
Association, 36 CameronAve, Cambridge.Thu., Sept. 23: 2:30-
5:00 p.m.
1 0 r e
Basic Trainingfor NewSupport GroupLeaders
Free workshops fornew and prospectivesupport group leadersare offered at varioustimes and locationsthroughout the state.Contact Debra Katt-Lloyd for informationabout the program at978.937.5576, andcontact MelissaArsenault for registra-tion details at617.868.6718.Upcoming trainingdates can also befound online atwww.alzmass.org.
CaregiverExpoBerkshire Countycaregivers will want toattend the BerkshirePartnership CaregiverResource Expo at thePark Square Congre-gational Church inPittsfield.This educa-tion program willinclude a health fairand panel presentationon local resources, apresentation by aphysician on healthyliving, and a lightdinner. Contact BeaCowlin at ElderServices of BerkshireCounty, 413.499.0524x113.
Thu., Oct. 21: 5:30-
8:30 p.m.
12 • MA Chapter
calendar
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BerkshireAshuwillticContact Mamlafayette@Northern EBradley PalContact Patpalzcares@Northern QAthol/RoyaContact Waalzheimers@
Sunday,
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Mediasponso
Simons Symposium 2004Dr. Reisa Sperling, Chairperson of theMedical and Scientific Advisory Committeeof the Massachusetts Chapter, is pleased toannounce on behalf of the Committee theappointment of Mary S. Mittelman, Dr.P.H.
of New York University School of Medicineas the 2004 Simons Symposium Lecturer. Dr.Mittelman will deliver a scientific presenta-tion related to Alzheimer’s disease at theSimons Symposium, scheduled for Tuesday,November 9 at the Charles Hotel inCambridge.
Dr. Mittleman is a distinguished researcher inthe area of the efficacy of psychoeducational
interventions targeting family care-partnersand people with AD. She is Director ofPsychosocial and Support Programs at theWilliam and Sylvia Silberstein Institute forAging and Dementia at NYU School ofMedicine.
The annual Matthew and Marcia SimonsSymposium features the work of a researcherwho has made a substantial contribution tothe public’s understanding of AD. For moreinformation, please contact Jeannie Banas inthe Western Regional Office at 413.787.1113or [email protected]. �
PHOTO BY JANET TAYLOR
adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 12
ry, 402wich.
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MA Chapter • 13
1 0 r e g i o n a l s i t e sSaturday, September 18
BerkshireAshuwillticook Rail Trail, Cheshire. Contact Marie Lafayette at 413.447.2417 [email protected] EssexBradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield. Contact Patricia Lavoie at 978.290.1797 [email protected] Quabbin ValleyAthol/Royalston Middle School, Athol. Contact Wanda Landry at 978.248.6334 [email protected]
Sunday, September 19
Central MassachusettsWorcester Senior Center, Worcester. Contact Christine Brown at 508.799.2386 [email protected] MassachusettsHeritage State Park, Fall River. Contact Lisa DeCosta at 508.944.3937 [email protected] ShorePlimoth Plantation, Plymouth. Contact Karen Foley at 508.746.9733 [email protected]
Sunday, September 26
Northern MiddlesexBoarding House Park, Lowell. Contact Michelle Muller or Sara Efstathiou at978.475.4225 or [email protected] ValleyStanley Park, Westfield. Contact Wendryn Case at 413.787.1113 or [email protected]
Saturday, October 2
Neponset ValleyBird Middle School, Walpole. Contact Kathleen Coullard at 508.346.3004 or [email protected]
Sunday, October 3
Greater BostonCanal Park at the CambridgeSide Galleria, Cambridge. Contact Sheila Watnick at 617.868.6718 x208 [email protected]
September18, 19 & 26
October 2 & 3
Goal:$900,000
For a brochure or team kit to find outabout sponsorship, exhibits, orvolunteering, call617.868.6718, or [email protected]
Mediasponsor:
12th Annual Memory Walkwww.memorywalkma.org
Benefactors:
OR
The Future in Drug Development
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Realize BenefitsOthers
The AlzheipartnershipcommunityUsing the Bexpertise anfull range oments to ourealize finanwhile suppograms and s
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By Bill Keeler
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. Itteaches us to push beyond where we thoughtwe could go. It helps us to find out what we aremade of,” according to Patti Sue Plumer, formerUnited States track star and Olympian.
The nine individualsrunning the 108thBoston Marathon for theAlzheimer’s Associationformed a team that wasdiverse in both age andrunning experience.Wemet for the first time inJanuary with our coachesTim Morrison and Heidi
Ganss. There was unbri-dled enthusiasm yetcautious optimism in theroom that night as weeach committed to run-ning and raising $2,004each.
Twelve weeks later onone of the hottestmarathon days ever (85Fdegrees in Hopkinton),we would cross the start-ing line and follow in thefootsteps of the ines-timable Johnny Kelly andBill Rogers on our trekto Boston.As hot as itwas on race day, theamazing support of thecrowds lining the routefrom Hopkinton toBoston would provide a
much-needed boost as we pushed our bodiesthrough fatigue and exhaustion.
Poetic justice doesn’t come in the form of a let-ter thanking the Alzheimer’s Association for giv-ing us the opportunity to run the BostonMarathon. It comes from knowing that theAlzheimer’s team raised an amazing total of$31,154 (as of 5/5/04) to help fund furtherresearch and education. It also comes in know-ing that everyone finished.Thank you to Timand Heidi and the support of the Alzheimer’sAssociation. Congratulations to the team!
Team members included:Ed Cederholm of Weymouth, 48;Lisa Gianis of Lowell, 23;Jon Henry of Danvers, 26;Bill Keeler of North Grafton, 35;Josh Pierce of South Boston, 27;Andrew Powell of Auburn, 57;Andrew Salmon of Upton, 25;Kostas Splagounias of Boston, 27; and Maria Sullivan of Newton, 41. �
The Alzheimer’s Association is grateful to guest writerBill Keeler, whose fundraising efforts, in conjunctionwith his Boston Marathon participation, resulted inover $9,000 for Association programs and services.Bill is married to Christine Brown, CommunityRelations Coordinator for the Chapter’s CentralMassachusetts Regional Office in Worcester.
Strides of Support
We salute Kindred Healthcare employee Gilbert
Reis for running the Ocean State Marathon inOctober 2003 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’sAssociation. Congratulations to Gilbert, whoseefforts raised over $1,600! �
14 • MA Chapter
Marathon Recapdevelopment
Marathoner Bill Keelerwas the Alzheimer’sAssociation’s top teamfundraiser. He raised over$9,000!
Marathoner AndrewSalmon of GenesisHealth Ventures gave athumbs-up to fellowrunner Bill Keeler onApril 19.
The Association’snine Marathonrunners all feltrelieved to see
the Fenway ParkCitgo sign as they
made their wayto the finish line.
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Realize SignificantBenefits While HelpingOthers
The Alzheimer’s Association has an excitingpartnership with the Boston Foundation, thecommunity foundation of Greater Boston.Using the Boston Foundation’s planned givingexpertise and management services, we offer afull range of special planned giving arrange-ments to our supporters, which will help donorsrealize financial, tax, and estate planning benefitswhile supporting the Association’s critical pro-grams and services.
Benefits. These special giving arrangementsinclude gifts that can provide donors with afixed stream of income for life (such as charita-ble remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, orTBF’s Pooled Income Fund), as well as charita-ble lead trusts.TBF will provide the exclusivemanagement of these gifts and provide consulta-tion services, together with gift proposals, calcu-lations, and all necessary documents.
The Boston Foundation will not assess ourdonors or the Alzheimer’s Association a fee forthis service.A portion of the gift will benefit theAlzheimer’s Association outright, and theremainder will be invested in a permanent fundat the Boston Foundation to benefit theAlzheimer’s Association in perpetuity.
If you would like more information on desig-nating the Alzheimer’s Association as a benefi-ciary in your will or to receive our GiftPlanning Guide, which provides an introductionto the various planned giving options available,please contact Heidi Ganss, Director ofDevelopment at [email protected] or617.868.6718 x207. �
Special Event KudosA Night to Remember
The Alzheimer’s Association, MassachusettsChapter wishes to express heartfelt appreciationto Scott Coulter. Scott, a recent graduate ofthe New England Conservatory, called upon hisfriends and fellow graduates and organized anevening of jazz, bluegrass, blues, and folk musicto benefit the Chapter.
Six groups performed at the event, held March27 at the Beacon Hill Friends House in Boston.A Night to Remember raised $325 for Associationprograms and services.
When he was 18, Scott lost his father to AD.Scott is grateful that the services provided by theChapter ensure that others do not have to facethis disease alone. Congratulations to Scott on ajob well done—what an outstanding tribute tohis father!
• Thank you to the Silvertone Bar & Grille inBoston for donating proceeds totaling $7,000from their spring charity event to theAlzheimer’s Association.We extend heartfeltappreciation to Josh & Katie Childs, Mary
Palmer, and Marc McLaughlin.
• Thanks to Steve Murakichi, owner of Fire &Opal for donating all gift-wrapping fundsfrom their Jamaica Plain store to theAlzheimer’s Association. More than $500 wasraised in December 2003, for which we arevery grateful.
• Thanks to Regina Walsh Troast and her fam-ily for hosting a Christmas Tree Party at theirhome in Carlisle.Their property includes atree farm, and each of Regina’s guests cutdown a tree in exchange for a gift to theAlzheimer’s Association. �
Value of Memories
Many thanks to Blaire House of New Bedfordfor sponsoring the Value of Memories AntiquesAppraisal on November 8 to raise funds for theAlzheimer’s Association. Professional antiquesappraiser Frank McNamee viewed items and theevent raised over $600.
One of the event’s organizers, Maria Lawton, isshown in the photo (L) presenting a check toDiane McCafferty, (R) Chapter Cape Cod &
Islands Regional Coordinator.We extendour appreciation to Maria and othermembers of the Bristol, Norfolk, & Ply-mouth Alzheimer Partnership for theirhard work and dedication.
The 2nd Annual Value of MemoriesAntiques Appraisal is scheduled for Satur-day, October 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Please call Maria Lawton at 508.989.5978for more information. �
MA Chapter • 15
development
Former Boston Bruinsplayers Steve Leach andRay Bourque were allsmiles at the 7th AnnualVerizon Wireless Make theLink Golf Tournament, heldon May 24 at the IpswichCountry Club. Despitesoggy weather, a goodtime was had by all andmore than $130,000 wasraised for Alzheimer'sAssociation programs andservices. Stay tuned for amore in-depth recap in ourFall Newsletter.
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adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 15
Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts ChapterStatewide Advisory Committee Members
Sanford Auerbach, M.D.,Chairman
Betty AvruchFrank AvruchRichard BlinnThe Hon. Carol ClevenMitchell Clionsky, Ph.D.Al DavisJohn Ford, J.D.Fred Goldstein, J.D.
Gloria White-Hammond,M.D.
George Hsu, M.D.Joan Hyde, Ph.D.Diane IsenbergJoan JohnsonJames KeeganBrian LeesRev.Thomas MayersSusan McDonough, M.P.A.Nancy Quill
Bernard Reisman, Ph.D.Elaine Reisman, M.Ed.Kate Salmon-Robinson,
M.H.S.A.James Shipley, Ph.D.Nina M. Silverstein, Ph.D.Paul Solomon, Ph.D.Rudolph Tanzi, Ph.D.Jean TylerNelson Wong
On April 2of AmericaTeleconferethe “long gsents to car
At 11 sites dents, healtclergy, and panel of hoerated by teRoberts.
Among thethe panelistoverview oand mournlenge AD pPublic policlimited Mehospice, thelife issues, aBaby Boommore informdisease go twww.alz.orrtrlhospice.
HospicExploreof Grie
Pitching infor PledgeDrive
Staff and volunteers fromthe Western RegionalOffice took pledges forWGBY-TV (PBS) inSpringfield during the
March MembershipCampaign telecast of thePBS documentary, TheForgetting. As KathrynHedgepeth, Director of theWestern Regional Officenoted, “Volunteering wasa very good way to expandour exposure at a criticaltime.”
For more informationabout the book TheForgetting or to rent thecorresponding homevideo, please contact theChapter at 800.548.2111.
Western Regional Office
Gene Shalit To HostAlzheimer’s at TanglewoodGuests attending the August 3Alzheimer’s at Tanglewood eventin Lenox will be treated to anevening with Honorary ChairGene Shalit, one of America’smost influential film critics andan authority on music, and a frequent contribu-tor to the NBC Today show.
The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a horsd’oeuvres reception under the Hawthorne Tenton the Tanglewood grounds. New this year is aTravel,Art, & Entertainment Silent Auction,featuring tropical vacations, weekend getaways,stained glass and ceramic artworks, and muchmore. Items may be viewed online at
www.alzmassT4.org.
Reserved seating in TheShed is available for the8:30 p.m. concert by theBoston Symphony, BostonPops, and TanglewoodMusic Center Orchestras.Aspectacular fireworks dis-
play follows the concert. Convenient parkingclose to the Tanglewood gate has been reservedfor Alzheimer’s at Tanglewood guests.
Don’t wait! Last year’s sold-out event raisedover $33,000 to benefit the Alzheimer’sAssociation. Planning Committee Co-Chairs arePamela Burger, Admissions Coordinator of
Williamstown and North Adams Commons; andKaren Gold, a nurse and former familycaregiver.
Advance ticket reservations are available throughthe Western Regional Office, 413.787.1113, orby e-mailing [email protected]. �
Springfield MulticulturalGrant ExtendedIn 2001, Massachusetts was awarded anAlzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grant bythe Administration on Aging (AOA) to imple-ment the Springfield Multicultural Alzheimer’sServices (SMAS) project.The success ofSMAS—initially a three-year grant—wasrecently rewarded with an extension by theAOA until July 2005.
The Massachusetts Chapter is participating inthe project with Greater Springfield SeniorServices, Baystate Visiting Nurse Association, andthe Spanish American Union. Marcia
McKenzie is the SMAS Coordinator in theWestern Regional Office.
Resources. Among the outreach, education,and support programs she has initiated are afaith-based support group for African Americansand Blacks, an annual Evening of Reflection forfamily caregivers, and cultural diversity work-shops for health care professionals. On June 26,SMAS and the Urban League’s Senior Programspresented “A Salute to Healthy Living,”featuring a Juneteenth Celebration andfashion show. �
16 • MA Chapter
regionalnews
AETNA • AME• BOSTON MUASSOCIATES SPORTS • FECORPORATIOHANCOCK FININSURANCE C• NEW ENGCORPORATIOPARCEL SERVANALOG DEV• BRISTOL-M& TOUCHE • DINC. • FIDELHASBRO, INC• LUCENT TEMERRILL LYNCORPORATIOCORPORATIOCORPORATIOC.R. BARD, ININC. • COMPEASTERN MFINANCIAL GMACHINES
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adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 16
On April 28, the national Hospice Foundationof America’s 11th Annual Living with GriefTeleconference explored the special difficultiesthe “long good-bye” of Alzheimer’s disease pre-sents to caregivers.
At 11 sites across Massachusetts, college stu-dents, health care professionals, hospice workers,clergy, and family members gathered to hear apanel of hospice and Alzheimer’s experts mod-erated by television reporter and author, Cokie
Roberts.
Among the topics explored bythe panelists were a medicaloverview of Alzheimer’s, griefand mourning, and the chal-lenge AD presents to hospice.Public policy issues such as thelimited Medicare benefit forhospice, the need for more training on end-of-life issues, and the looming threat of an agingBaby Boom population were also presented. Formore information on hospice and Alzheimer’sdisease go to www.hospicefoundation.org orwww.alz.org/Resources/Resources/rtrlhospice.asp. �
Beth Spencer KeynotesBerkshire PartnershipConferenceBeth Spencer, author of Understanding DifficultBehaviors, delivered the keynote address,“Helping Families Accept Help,” at the April 8Berkshire Alzheimer’s Partnership Conferencefor Healthcare Professionals.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pittsfield,the conference also featured an address byJoanne Koenig Coste, author of Learning ToSpeak Alzheimer’s; as well as workshops on arttherapy, ethical dilemmas in Alzheimer’s care,Habilitation therapy, and pharmaceuticaladvances in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Special thanks are extended to Marie Lafayette
and the Berkshire Area Health Education Cen-ter for their assistance with this conference. �
Hospice TeleconferenceExplores Dynamics of Grief and AD
MA Chapter • 17
westernregional
news
� BerkshirePartnershipConferenceSpeakers BethSpencer (2nd fromL) and JoanneKoenig Coste (3rdfrom L) visit withPartnership mem-bers Susan Peisner(L) and MarieLafayette (R) priorto the afternoonworkshops.Cokie Roberts
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AETNA • AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP • ANALOG DEVICES • AT &T • AVON PRODUCTS, INC. • C.R. BARD, INC.• BOSTON MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY • BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CO. • CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. • COMPUTERASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. • DELOITTE & TOUCHE • DELTA AIR LINES • DIEBOLD, INC. • EASTERN MOUNTAINSPORTS • FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES, INC. • FIDELITY INVESTMENTS • FLEET FINANCIAL GROUP • GTECORPORATION • HARCOURT GENERAL, INC. • HASBRO, INC. • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES • JOHNHANCOCK FINANCIAL SERVICES • KEYSPAN ENERGY • LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES • MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFEINSURANCE COMPANY • MELLON FINANCIAL CORP. • MERRILL LYNCH & CO. INC. • MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER• NEW ENGLAND FINANCIAL • NOVARTIS CORPORATION • REEBOK INTERNATIONAL, LTD. • STRIDE RITECORPORATION • SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. • 3COM CORPORATION • THOMSON FINANCIAL SERVICES • UNITEDPARCEL SERVICE • WORDSWORTH BOOKS • XEROX CORPORATION • AETNA • AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP •ANALOG DEVICES • AT &T • AVON PRODUCTS, INC. • C.R. BARD, INC. • BOSTON MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY• BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CO. • CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. • COMPUTER ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. • DELOITTE& TOUCHE • DELTA AIR LINES • DIEBOLD, INC. • EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS • FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES,INC. • FIDELITY INVESTMENTS • FLEET FINANCIAL GROUP • GTE CORPORATION • HARCOURT GENERAL, INC. •HASBRO, INC. • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES • JOHN HANCOCK FINANCIAL SERVICES • KEYSPAN ENERGY• LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES • MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY • MELLON FINANCIAL CORP. •MERRILL LYNCH & CO. INC. • MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER • NEW ENGLAND FINANCIAL • NOVARTISCORPORATION • REEBOK INTERNATIONAL, LTD. • STRIDE RITE CORPORATION • SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. • 3COMCORPORATION • THOMSON FINANCIAL SERVICES • UNITED PARCEL SERVICE • WORDSWORTH BOOKS • XEROXCORPORATION • AETNA • AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP • ANALOG DEVICES • AT &T • AVON PRODUCTS, INC. •C.R. BARD, INC. • BOSTON MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY • BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CO. • CISCO SYSTEMS,INC. • COMPUTER ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. • DELOITTE & TOUCHE • DELTA AIR LINES • DIEBOLD, INC. •EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS • FEDERATED DEPARTMENT STORES, INC. • FIDELITY INVESTMENTS • FLEETFINANCIAL GROUP • GTE CORPORATION • HARCOURT GENERAL, INC. • HASBRO, INC. • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMACHINES • JOHN HANCOCK FINANCIAL SERVICES • KEYSPAN ENERGY • LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES •
Let Your Company Increase the Value of Your Gift!
Hundreds of organizations offer a corporate matching gifts
program. Help make an even bigger difference in the lives of
people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by checking
with your Human Resource department and getting a
matching gift form from your employer. It’s that easy!
development
adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 17
18 • MA Chapter
early stageprograms
Abington: JulActon: Joann
or Jean FlemAgawam: JudAmesbury/NeAmherst: JudAndover: KrisArlington: LaAthol: WandraAttleboro: Ma
or Ginny McNicole McGuSharon Leary
Auburn: MichBelmont: Nav
or Lauren StBoston: Barba
or Maureen Braintree: Eil
Ailsa LaCostBridgewater
or Sue DanieBrockton: Na
Marie AlbertBrookline: Pa
or Howard BRuthann Dob
Burlington: SAnn CooperBarbara Ryan
Cambridge: Aor Mary CostTrudy Bauer
Canton: SusaChelmsford:
Susan AntkoChicopee: Vir
Judy PothulConcord: PatrDalton: SandyDanvers: Gwe
Darcey AdamGayel Cote
Dorchester: DDuxbury: San
Bonnie HaleyEast Longme
Mary Anne SFairhaven: ShFall River: M
Judy Elsteor Paulette M
Fitchburg: EryJodie Bourge
Foxboro: DianFramingham:Gardner: Kell
Judy WilsonGloucester: CGreat Barring
Susan PeisneJoan Nimmo
Haverhill: JoHingham: Jo
Eleanor BlairHolden: NaomHolyoke: DottHopkington: Hyde Park: WJamaica Pla
By Elaine Silverio
A cold and blustery Friday evening November14 at the Courtyard Marriott in Westboro setthe stage for the first annual Early Stage DinnerDance, sponsored by the Association and sup-ported by a number of corporations. But insidethe hotel, in the lobby and dining rooms, and on
the dance floor, a glow-ing spirit of warmthcontradicted the aro-matic chill of earlywinter.
In response to surveyrequests for social gath-erings from early stage
families, a committee had been formed to planthis first statewide event. Our team embarkedupon a mission to convey the Association’smessage that there is life beyond the diagnosis—as well as a dancer beyond the disease (seephotos, p. 1).
Genesis. The dance grew out of an ignition ofevents: my expressed desire at an early stageeducation series to hold a dance; a family care-partner, Maria Alicea, who went to her boss, anursing home administrator and said,“FindElaine some free space”; and an administrator,Michael Isabella from Westboro Healthcare,who found the space and further offered tosponsor the dinner.
To this mix, we added a community relationsspecialist for Marriott of Westboro, Sandra
Miller, who opened up the hotel, its services,and her heart to us; donations from ChristopherHouse’s Walter Ohanian; and a lively, funnydisc jockey, John “Pudge” Flynn from NewHampshire. How many deejays continue to playwhen there is only one couple cheek-to-cheekon the floor at the end of the evening? Thisone did.
Thanks to the seamless planning of an activecommittee, chaired by student intern Kari
Wiley and consisting of staff, early stage personsand care-partners, and other early stage advo-cates, the event resulted in a night to remember.From the cocktail hour, to the delicious pastaand salad dinner, and dancing to the multi-era,
nostalgic repertoire ofJohn Flynn’s music, itadded up to a magicalevening of friendship,laughter, and relaxation.
As one family memberstated, the event servedas “pure and simple funand socialization.”Thedinner dance was not intended to be a reminderof the disease, but rather a reminder of peoplestill living, despite the disease.
Spontaneity. One woman said this was her firstdance with her husband in 40 years since theirwedding day (and he never stopped all night!).Another noted that her husband smiled allnight, something he hasn’t done in months. Partof the magic was witnessing the “thirty-some-things” swinging to Dorsey and the “eighty-somethings” dancing to the Bee Gees’ StayingAlive, an apt description of the prevailing theme.
For staff who attended, the dinner dance was areaffirmation of why we do the work we do;and a confirmation that emotional expression,laughter, and fun are definitely food for the souland fuel for the journey ahead. Families andpersons with memory disorders expressed theenjoyment of new friends and socialization;the lack of fear at meeting new people; and the safe, supportive, and fun (“It was a blast!”)environment.
And the number-one question asked since then:When is the next dance?
Oasis. Our own Dr. Paul Raia, seen sweepinghis wife Celia off her feet more than once thatnight, expressed it well at the evening’s end.“Wefound a cure for Alzheimer’s for several hours,”he said.“Tonight, there was no Alzheimer’s inthis room.”
And for me, after cleaning up, discovering mycoat and car keys missing, waiting two hours fora spare key to be delivered, and driving home at2:00 a.m.—could such a turn of events spoil themagic? Ask the state trooper who observed mesmiling, singing, and rocking in the car all theway home. �
The Chapter’s Dr. PaulRaia spins his wife Celiaaround the dance floor.
Dancers Lucy & RafaelQuiles of Methuen set thestage for romance.
Jo and John Rauseo ofKingston rarely took abreak from dancing!
After dinner, participantstook a break from dancingto enjoy coffee and livelyconversation (L to R):Angel & Maria Alicea ofDouglas; Bernie &Barbara Shapiro ofMarlboro; and Joe & SallyWeber of Cambridge(standing behindthe Shapiros).
We Could Have Danced All Night…
PHOT
OS B
Y EL
AIN
E SI
LVER
IO
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Abington: Julie Niemi 781.871.0200Acton: Joanne Chaulk 866.447.0009
or Jean Fleming 978.264.9643Agawam: Judy Pothul 413.821.9911Amesbury/Newburyport: Patricia Lavoie 978.290.1797Amherst: Judi Jackson 413.548.6800Andover: Kristine Arakelian 978.623.8321Arlington: Laurie August 781.316.3400Athol: Wandra Landry 978.249.3717Attleboro: Mary McCormick 508.222.6655
or Ginny McDermott 508.222.0118 x2122Nicole McGurin 508.222.4950Sharon Leary 978.226.6150
Auburn: Michelle Edelstein or Brenda Rojas 508.832.2200Belmont: Nava Niv-Vogel 617.484.5501
or Lauren Storck 617.484.0949Boston: Barbara Hawley Maxam 617.724.0055
or Maureen Tardelli 781.391.7878Braintree: Eileen Schongold 781.848.3678
Ailsa LaCoste 781.843.1860Bridgewater: Kathy Hayes 508.697.0929
or Sue Daniels 508.697.4368Brockton: Nancy Bresciani 508.583.2517
Marie Albert 508.587.6556Brookline: Pattie Chase 617.232.8848
or Howard Block 617.277.4289Ruthann Dobek 617.730.2777
Burlington: Stacey Kohler 781.744.8114Ann Cooper 781.270.9008 x202Barbara Ryan 781.270.4946
Cambridge: Alice McCarter 617.547.3543 x25or Mary CostelloTrudy Bauer or Ruth Gordon 617.491.1815
Canton: Susan Sheehan 781.828.7450 x307Chelmsford: Patty Keane 978.251.8491
Susan Antkowiak 978.934.0000Chicopee: Virginia Cebula 413.593.0088
Judy Pothul 413.821.9911Concord: Patricia Oliphant 978.318.0046Dalton: Sandy Epperly 413.238.5574Danvers: Gwen Kopka 978.750.4540
Darcey Adams 978.774.4400 x3064Gayel Cote 978.762.7625 x14
Dorchester: Donna Allen 617.825.5000Duxbury: Sandi Wright 781.585.2397
Bonnie Haley 781.934.5774East Longmeadow: Ellen Nepomuceno 413.781.5070
Mary Anne Stout 413.525.8150Fairhaven: Sharon Jensen 508.991.8600Fall River: Maureen Hebert 508.679.0011
Judy Elste 508.675.2101or Paulette Masse 401.559.5668 (free call)
Fitchburg: Eryn McAuliffe 978.343.5216Jodie Bourgeois 978.342.9428
Foxboro: Diane Caldwell 508.339.7183Framingham: Deborah Young 508.879.8000Gardner: Kelly Lanza 978.632.5477
Judy Wilson 978.632.1230Gloucester: Claire Phillips 978.281.9765Great Barrington: Karen Hutson 413.528.2650
Susan Peisner 413.528.1881Joan Nimmo 413.528.4560
Haverhill: John Freeman 978.346.4743Hingham: Jo Ann Mitchell 781.749.5417
Eleanor Blair 781.749.4774Holden: Naomi Sohlman 508.829.0270Holyoke: Dottie Blain-Hamel 413.322.5625Hopkington: Patricia McKinney 508.435.0222Hyde Park: Wendy Marks 781.449.5368Jamaica Plain: Susan Kelley-Grasso 617.868.6718 x220
Kingston: Sandra Fahrenholt 781.585.4100Lancaster: Kristi Mendoza 978.365.4537Lee: Dolores Thimot 413.243.4747Leicester: Eva Dawson 508.987.8056Lexington: Sandra Simon or Carolyn Dumas 617.558.9086Littleton: Gail Mallardo 978.486.3512Longmeadow: Greg Goodman 413.567.6211Lowell: Margaret Swanson 978.459.0546Lynn: Mark Hurd or Wendy Kaplan 781.598.4570
Valerie Jacobs 781.592.5661Mansfield: Christine Filocco 508.261.1333
or Deborah SupernantMarlboro: Seth Dudley 508.481.9898
Joyce Henderson 508.485.4040Medford: Douglas Lloyd 781.324.5759
or Sheila Witkus 781.395.5542Mendon: Marlene Fregeau 508.473.0862
or MaryPat McDavittMethuen: Terri Orsillo 978.682.3582Middleboro: Robella Coates 508.946.2490
Carol Ann Landreville 508.588.2622Maureen Bradley 508.947.4774
Millbury: Michelle Stevens 508.793.0088Milton: Cathy Smyth 617.898.1094Nahant: Rev. David Dodge 781.581.1202Nantucket: Pam Meriam 508.325.5360Natick: Judy Sabol 508.650.9003
Lois Pecora 508.655.5000 x3988or Jim Worthington 508.655.3344 x3999Carol Westheimer 617.734.9700
Needham: Sherry Jackson 781.455.7555Nancy Cohen 888.836.8866 x417
New Bedford: Jean Melia 508.997.9396Newburyport: Kathleen Blamire 978.465.5361 x122Newburyport/Amesbury: Patricia Lavoie 978.290.1797Newton: Mara Klein Collins 617.928.0007
Carol Westheimer 781.455.8588Sheryl Clarke 617.630.2767
North Adams: Beth Hinkley 413.664.4536Northborough: Sue Corbett 508.393.2386Norwood: Mary Beth Lynch 781.769.4495
Jessica Sorgi 781.769.2200 x209Peabody: Linda Smith 978.531.2254 x137Pittsfield: Louise Posnick 413.445.2300
Bea Cowlin 413.499.0524Beth Hinkley 413.499.1992
Plymouth: Sharon Mazzilli 508.747.3332or Maureen Bradley 508.947.4774
Quincy: Kathy Prince 617.471.5712Beverly Moore 617.233.1145
Rockland: Laureen Walsh 781.681.1075Roxbury: Ilene Marsh 617.361.7486
or Michael Kincade 617.868.6718Saugus: Debbie Bennett 781.233.8123Sharon: Mary Fegan 781.784.6781
or Christine Lewis DushkuSomerset: John Rogers 508.679.2240South Hadley: Gerri Bennett 413.532.8098South Lancaster: Harriet Klayman 978.368.6414Southbridge: Roger LaMontagne 508.765.9771
Susan Klezcka 508.248.7344Springfield: Ellen Nepomuceno 413.781.5070
Kathryn Nowak-Crane 413.782.1800Stoughton: Denise Conley or Christine Galanis 781.344.7300
Karen Sprague 781.344.7661Swansea: Michael Spearin 508.379.9700Tewksbury: Kathy Moriarity 978.657.0800
Denise Flaherty 978.851.3121or Paula Welch
Turners Falls: Molly Chambers 413.773.5555 x262
Support groups pro-vide a forum for fam-ily members andfriends of people withAlzheimer’s disease oranother dementingillness. Groups alsoexist for people whohave early-stageAlzheimer’s disease—refer to SpecializedGroups at the end ofthe alphabetized listof communities.
At these groups, peo-ple learn about thedisease, share con-cerns and informa-tion, and supporteach other in copingwith the effects ofAlzheimer’s disease orone of the related dis-orders. Groups mayvary in size, frequencyof meeting, and lead-ership style but areoften termed lifesav-ing by their members.
Our web site support group leaderlist, found atwww.alzmass.org,
is updated frequently.For more informationabout Massachusettssupport groups, callour Helpline at 1.800.548.2111.
Please call the listedgroup leaders fordetails.
(continued on back page)
MA Chapter • 19
support groups
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adnews6-04.v4.qxd 6/18/04 12:28 PM Page 19
Wakefield: Kristine Taylor 781.224.2800Ware: Stasia Wozniak 413.967.2225Wareham: Carolyn Cardoza 508.758.2173
Dianne Connelly 508.295.1040Watertown: Ruth Gordon 617.491.1823Webster/Dudley: Debra Boucher 508.791.8131
or Gary Davis 617.653.7242Wellesley: Peggy Mullen 508.533.7020West Springfield: Val Moschilli 413.781.1282Westboro: Aimee Rizzo 508.836.4354 x3706
Susan Garvey 508.366.9131Westfield: Ellen Nepomuceno 413.781.5070Westford: Arlene Parillo 781.863.1166
or Joanne Shaughnessy 978.264.4666Weston: Shirley Earle 781.893.0154Westport: Susan Oliveira 508.636.1026Westwood: Peter Byron 781.326.5652Weymouth: Lynne Wilkinson 781.337.3121
Julie Barcelo 781.340.9100Wilbraham: Beth Vettori 413.596.0006Williamstown: Eleanor Derby-Kilfoyle 413.458.8127 x108Woburn: Jennifer Jaroch 781.932.0350Worcester: Faith Bandama 508.791.5543 x3319
Marie Cote 508.753.4791Patrice Fanjoy 508.752.2546Debbie DeRossier 508.754.3800 x126Therese DeLongchamp 508.755.7277Cindy Lamica 508.852.5800 x203Katherine Ferreira 508.791.4200
Specialized GroupsAdult Child CaregiversWest Roxbury: Susan O’Connell 617.325.1230
or Margaret WrightChildren’s Group ages 8-12Danvers: Kris Haring 978.774.4400Families of VA Patients with ADBedford: Chris Jagiello 781.687.2701
Interfaith Support GroupFramingham: Malka Young 508.875.3100Springfield: Marcia McKenzie 413.787.1113People Under 65-Early Stage &
Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Their CaregiversCambridge: Elaine Silverio 617.868.6718 x205
or Nancy Cohen 781.788.0044People with Early Stage Alzheimer’s and Their
CaregiversAmherst: Jeannie Banas 413.787.1113
or Wanda Landry 978.249.3717Andover: Bernadette Graycar 978.623.8321Athol: Wanda Landry 978.249.3717Attleboro: Nicole McGurin 508.222.4950
or Joyce Coletto 508.222.0118Brockton: John Scott 508.587.6556
or Tadd Clelland 508.427.6099Concord: Arlene Parillo 781.863.1166
or Mary Baum 978.369.4728Danvers: Carol Owen 978.774.4400Dartmouth: Peter Ham 508.997.0794
or Maureen Hebert 508.679.0011Duxbury: Bonnie Haley 781.934.5774Milton: Cathy Smyth 617.898.1094
or Susan Sheehan 781.828.7450 x307Natick: Joanne Koenig-Coste 508.879.5338
or Lois Pecora 508.655.3344 x3988Springfield: Ginny Sinkoski 413.787.1113
or Ellen Nepomuceno 413.781.5070Westboro: Aimee Rizzo 508.863.4354 x3706
or Muriel Baum 508.435.0019Worcester: Gary Davis 617.653.7242
or Deb Boucher 508.791.8131Spanish-language Group/En EspañolBoston: Conchita Rodriguez 617.868.8599Spouses’ GroupBrockton: Geralann DiDomenico 508.427.6099West Roxbury: Susan O’Connell 617.325.1230
or Stephanie Walsh .
We make every effortto keep this list up-to-date, but some list-ings may be incorrectbecause production ofthe Newsletter takesnearly three months,and because we arenot always notified ofa change. If you haveany problem contact-ing a group leader,please call ourHelpline at1.800.548.2111.
These support groupsare free and open tothe public. In addi-tion, many day pro-grams and long-termcare facilities offergroups for families oftheir patients. Supportgroups are indepen-dently run and thislisting should not beconstrued as a recom-mendation. �
We are a member of
Thank you for your
payroll deduction
contribution.
20 • MA Chapter
Support Groups continued from page 15support groups
Address Service Requested
36 Cameron AvenueCambridge, MA 02140617.868.6718 • Fax: 617.868.6720www.alzmass.org
Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDBoston, MAPermit No. 9C
Please don’t toss
this Newsletter!
We encourage you to“recycle” Newslettersto a friend, doctor’soffice, house of wor-ship, or club—and letus know if you wishto be removed fromour mailing list.
2 4 - H O U R H E L P L I N E : 1 . 8 0 0 . 5 4 8 . 2 1 1 1
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