Dear Friends,
 Each morning when I board the subway, I am astonished by the diversity of my fellow
riders – and reminded that our city has nearly 400 distinct neighborhoods where 170 different
languages are spoken. Yet, despite our many ethnic, cultural and religious differences, we
manage to get along. One reason may be that some problems cut across boundaries. Right
now, looming large is the aging of the City’s population, and with it, the anticipated explosion
of families, individuals and institutions that will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related
dementias.
In some cultures, it is common to keep dementia a secret. In others, it is considered shameful
to ask for help – whether from a family member, a neighbor or a community-based
organization. In some communities, it is expected that families will keep a person with the
disease at home. In others, families might opt for a nursing home, but don’t have the information
they need to make this important decision.
When it comes to providing critical support to those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and
dementia, one size does not fit all. Nevertheless, it is the Chapter’s responsibility to ensure that
services are available to all who need them. To that end,we are working diligently to prepare
and implement programs that respond to the unique needs and traditions of the many
cultural communities in the five boroughs. Only with culturally sensitive programs can we
help families overcome their concerns and fears and ensure that they feel comfortable
reaching out for the essential services they need. If we create accessible programs,we will build
trust with our constituents. Without trust, they may never reach out.
To date, our dedicated professionals provide training, education and support groups in
English, Spanish and Chinese. We are also proud of our growing outreach to the African-
American and Orthodox Jewish communities. We know that we are not only delivering
important services to vulnerable communities, we are also sending a message that designing
and delivering customized programs for our increasingly diverse communities is an essential
part of our mission.
For this reason,we picked diversity as the theme for this – the first Newsletter issued in our
new format. I hope you take the time to read the wonderful front-page story written by
award-winning journalist, Jamie Talan. I am pleased to announce that future Newsletters will
include feature articles on other significant topics including the importance of clinical trials
and the challenges of urban aging. So, once you’ve read this issue, send us your ideas for future
issues.
As I leave you, I ask you to mark your calendars. On May 2nd the Chapter will host our
8th Annual Early-Stage Memory Disorders Forum, and on June 2nd we’ll host our annual
“Forget-Me-Not” Gala at The Pierre. On July 9th, we’ll host our fourth annual Alzheimer’s
Awareness Game at Shea Stadium. And save the evening of September 17th for our Annual
Chapter Meeting at The Rockefeller University. All promise to be exciting events!
Until I see you, enjoy New York’s very brief, but beautiful spring!
— Lou-Ellen Barkan
President & CEO |
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