Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter

“She's my best friend, and without her, I never would have been aware of this mild cognitive impairment.” Ralph Carmona’s cognitive issues surfaced a decade ago when his wife, Vana, noticed he was repeating himself and often forgetting daily tasks. Although Ralph did not notice these changes, Vana encouraged him to see his doctor. Ralph saw a neurologist, who conducted cognitive testing, an MRI and amyloid PET scan, resulting in a diagnosis of MCI due to Alzheimer’s. Ralph currently serves as a member of our Early-Stage Advisory Group. Join him in thanking a caregiver in your life by visiting alz.org/nadam.

“I'm thankful for Craig, because since the very beginning of this he has never made me feel like this is not what he signed up for. He has been all in every step of the way.” Dona Denham first started noticing cognitive changes in 2019, including short-term memory problems and nighttime hallucinations. She sought medical help to determine the cause of these troubling symptoms. Initially, several of the physicians she saw dismissed her concerns or offered a diagnosis that would prove incorrect, including attention deficit disorder. Dona then visited a well-respected Memory Center about 90 minutes from her home, and after extensive testing, she received a Lewy Body dementia diagnosis. Dona’s husband Craig serves as her care partner and has stood by her side throughout her dementia journey, supporting her advocacy as a member of our Early-Stage Advisory Group. Join Donna in thanking a caregiver in your life by visiting alz.org/nadam.

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t straightforward, but we can help you plan for the road ahead. Our interactive online tool, ALZNavigator, creates custom action plans for individuals based on their current situation. Build your action plan today at alz.org/alznavigator. #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

We are just a phone call away. Caregivers and all those impacted by dementia can call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak confidentially with master’s-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance & education on issues families face every day. #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth

Last week, Kelly Mulligan dropped by our office for a BIG announcement - the golf tournament she planned this past September for the William Mulligan Memorial Fund raised over $12,000! We are so grateful to have her passion and determination in the fight to #ENDALZ! (And she nailed the attire assignment, showing up in purple from head to toe!!)

During this season of thanks, we wanted to show our gratitude to this year's two Walk Presenting Sponsors. Business for Good (and by extension Team Big Guy) has poured so much into making our Queensbury #Walk2EndAlz a success these last few years and this year was no exception. And while our Cooperstown #Walk2EndAlz was a bit damp and cold, the support we felt from NYCM Insurance gave us all an inner glow. We are so appreciative to have these two local businesses standing by our side in the fight to #ENDALZ!

Cedric Howard is the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement’s November Advocate of the Month! Cedric was inspired to become an advocate by his mother Minnie’s unwavering love and dedication while she cared for her sister Doris and mother Gussie during their journey with Alzheimer’s. Read his story: bit.ly/4fCL6Kh. #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #ENDALZ

It was fitting to have our Lake George Caregiver Conference during #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth! Thank you to our panelists for their keen insights, as well as all of the caregivers who joined us - we hope you left the Conference knowing that the Alzheimer’s Association is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support you. Additionally, a big thank you to Presenting Sponsor The Goldberg Foundation, our lunch sponsor CDPHP, our coffee break sponsor Herzog Law Firm P.C., and all the other exhibitors - your commitment allows us to put on these community events (at no cost!) to families impacted. If you weren't able to attend, but have questions, call our office at 518.867.4999 to schedule a care consultation. #ENDALZ

On #WorldDiabetesDay, we encourage you to take steps like eating healthier, increasing your physical activity, and taking medication, if necessary, to prevent or control Type 2 diabetes. You’ll be doing your body and brain a favor. Learn more at alz.org/healthyhabits.

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, lend a helping hand ?? to family members and friends serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers. Check out our 8 Ways to Support an Alzheimer’s Caregiver at alz.org/honor.