Alzheimer's Association, Rochester and Finger Lakes Region

Save the date: #GivingTuesday is Tuesday, December 3. Mark your calendars and help raise funds and awareness for the fight to #ENDALZ. ?? alz.org/donate

Jessica Lewandowski, a citizen of Cherokee Nation, is a patient experience manager for the Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) and is on our HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples Leadership Committee. Her grandfather-in-law lived with Alzheimer’s, which had a great impact on her family. Through CNHS’s partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Jessica provides resources and guidance for Cherokee people living with the disease and their families. Help us thank Jessica and CNHS for helping us advance health equity! Learn more about our DEI national partnerships at bit.ly/4cZvHC4. ?? #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

On Dec. 4, Dr. David Gill of the University of Rochester School of Medicine discusses the treatment options, including medication, available to manage the symptoms of frontotemporal dementia. Register now for this free virtual program at alz.org/newyork

** PLEASE NOTE ** Our office will be closed Nov. 21 - Dec. 2. Help is available 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

We are thrilled to welcome Raquel (Serrano) Singletary to the RFL Chapter in the new position of bilingual program manager! Raquel previously served as director of the Centro de Oro senior program of the Ibero American Action League and was integral to its growth and success. She is an active member of several Latino faith initiatives and serves as board president of Latinas Unidas, a Rochester-based civic organization focused on Latina leadership development and youth empowerment. In addition, she has volunteered with the national Alzheimer’s Association DEI department, serving as virtual facilitator and host for several Latino outreach and education programs as well as the Spanish Advisory Committee in the Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter. Welcome, Raquel! ?Estamos encantados de darle la bienvenida a Raquel (Serrano) Singletary al capítulo de Rochester Finger Lakes (RFL) en su nuevo cargo como gerente de programas bilingüe! Raquel anteriormente se desempe?ó como directora del programa de adultos mayores, Centro de Oro, de la liga, Ibero American Action League, siendo fundamental para su crecimiento y éxito. Es miembro activo de varias iniciativas de fe latina y actualmente es presidenta de la junta directiva de Latinas Unidas, una organización cívica de Rochester enfocada en el desarrollo de liderazgo y empoderamiento para mujeres, jóvenes y ni?as latinas. Además, Raquel ha sido voluntaria en el departamento de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión (DEI) de la Asociación Nacional de Alzheimer, sirviendo como facilitadora y anfitriona virtual para varios programas de alcance y educación para la comunidad latina, así como en el Comité Asesor en espa?ol del capítulo de Rochester Finger Lakes. ?Bienvenida, Raquel!

Dr. Lori Quigley is a citizen of the Seneca Nation of Indians and is a Leadership and Policy professor at Niagara University. Her research interests include multigenerational trauma, maintenance of indigenous languages, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Dr. Quigley volunteers with the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her mother whom she lost to dementia. She advocates for individuals who are living with dementia and their families and shares the benefits of early-detection. She also uses her expertise to help inform outreach to Native American communities on behalf of the Association. Through this work, she is able to share important resources with the Seneca Nation Health Department. Follow in Dr. Quigley's footsteps and lend your time to advance the fight to #ENDALZ by becoming a volunteer: alz.org/volunteer.

In our free program on Nov. 20, experts join us to explore caregiver stress, particularly for those caring for a loved one with frontotemporal dementia. The virtual program will explore why it is important to recognize and manage stress, the signs to look for, and self-care techniques. alz.org/newyork

Dr. Neil Henderson, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, lost his grandmother to dementia. As a teenager, he worked in a nursing home as a certified nursing assistant. During that time, he saw individuals living with various types of cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Since his college years, he has worked to better understand the causes of cognitive impairment and how we can best respond to the challenges it poses for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. In recent years, he has worked to share knowledge with tribal members on ways to recognize and respond to the signs of dementia. Dr. Henderson says, “Indigenous people are more at risk of dementia and deserve to be well prepared so that caregiving and risk reduction can be optimized for the benefit of all involved.” He has worked to adapt public health programs to recognize the strengths of Indigenous communities and make more culturally centered resources available to American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Henderson serves on our HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Peoples Leadership Committee and helped launch the HBI Road Map for Indian Country, which acts as a guide for American Indian and Alaska Native leaders to learn about dementia and start discussions throughout their communities. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

In this free webinar on Nov. 19, two doctors will discuss how palliative care helps people living with dementia and their caregivers. Bring questions, as they will take time to answer them during the program. Register at bit.ly/AlzExpert10-29.

Join us on Nov. 14 as we explore the challenges Black Americans face when accessing dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care. Learn about strategies to create more equitable, culturally competent care solutions and how we can advocate for better support for Black families affected by dementia. alz.org/newyork