October 24, 2010
Riverside Park

For the sixth year, Walking Thunder enjoyed a very successful Memory Walk. Walking Thunder team members sported their bright yellow hats and pins and enjoyed a morning walk in Riverside Park. Together, they raised $15,000 for Alzheimer’s research, programs, and services. The NYC Memory Walk raised a total of over $1 million. We hope to see the whole team back and NEW members in 2011 for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

For more information about Walking Thunder, click here.

Enjoying the day

Team Walking Thunder

On the move

Some 4-legged friends also joined the team!

10^th Annual Early Stage Memory Disorders Forum
June 29, 2010

The Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter hosted its 10th Annual Early Stage Memory Disorders Forum for Caregivers and Professionals on June 29, 2010 at The New York Academy of Medicine. After greetings from Board Co-Chair Jeffrey Jones, Chapter President and CEO Lou-Ellen Barkan opened the program and welcomed over 200 professionals and caregivers, encouraging them to “Find the Balance” as they strive to improve the quality of life for people with early-stage dementia.

Joyce Simons, a former professor and college dean, then talked about her experience of receiving diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia and her service as an advocate on the Alzheimer’s Association Early Advisory Group. Joyce’s passion for education shone through as she created many teachable moments for the Forum audience. Following Joyce, keynote speaker Daniel Kuhn presented “Living with a New Normal.” He listed some common dilemmas when working with or caring for a person with early-stage dementia and how to balance the needs of both the early-stage person and the caregiver. Dan encouraged the attendees to learn to “dance” with the person they’re caring for, that is, knowing when to step in and take the lead or when to let the person with dementia lead. The rest of the day consisted of enlightening workshops that included:

• The Pros and Cons of Participating in Research
• Assisting the Person Who Lives Alone
• The Ups and Downs of Early-Stage Caregiving
• Places to Go, People to See
• The Driving Dilemma
• Other Dementias: When It’s Not Alzheimer’s Disease.

Before the day was over, participants had the opportunity to “Ask the Panel” questions that still lingered in their minds.

Here are some comments from those who attended the Forum:

“I am very happy I came. I learned a lot that I did not know before and I was doing the wrong things, so thanks a lot and I will certainly come back again.”
- Family member of a person with dementia.

“This was an invaluable way to provide pertinent information on dementias. I am overwhelmed by the information and insight I received.”
- Family member

“This was one of the best and most helpful gatherings I’ve attended. Very well-organized, informative, challenging, and fun. Thank you for offering this opportunity of seeing reality and hope.”
- Family member

“Very well-organized with quality presentations. An outstanding program!”
– Professional

If you would like to receive mailings and information for the 2011 Early-Stage Memory Disorders Forum, please contact the Early Stage Services department by email ltiede@alznyc.org or by calling 646-744-2911 and be sure to include your mailing address.

Photo Gallery 1. Caregivers and professionals gather for breakfast 2. Daniel Kuhn, LCSW, Chapter President and CEO Lou-Ellen Barkan, Joyce Simons, and Board Co-Chair Jeffrey Jones 3. Joyce Simons addresses the Forum attendees about her advocacy work as a person living with dementia 4. Joyce Simons giving the crowd and Early Stage Services Director Paulette Michaud a good laugh 5. Forum participants 6. Keynote speaker Daniel Kuhn, LCSW, Author of Alzheimer’s Early Stages 7. Daniel Kuhn presenting “Learning to Live with a New Normal.” 8. Dan Kuhn autographing copies of his book, Alzheimer’s Early Stages. 9. Jed Levine discusses participation in clinical trials 10. Joan Mintz, LCSW talks with workshop participants about assisting the person who lives alone 11. Interested Forum attendees 12. Dr. Meg Sewell describes other types of dementia 13. Lauren Tiede, LMSW presents local programs for early-stage people 14. Exhibitors were on hand to talk about their services with attendees

Visit to the Upper West Side
May 4, 2010

On May 4, the members of Early Stage Services, chapter staff and volunteers enjoyed an outing to two of New York’s gems on the Upper West Side. First, we had a traditional family-style Italian lunch at Carmine’s, complete with a rich chocolate dessert that one of the clients described as tasting “like it came right from heaven.” From Carmine’s, we headed uptown to the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a guided tour. We learned so much about the history and “highlights” of the Cathedral from the very knowledgeable and interesting guides. Most of all, it was great to be together enjoying springtime in New York City.

An Italian Feast at Carmine’s!

Very satisfied customers


Touring the Cathedral

October 25, 2009

Team Walking Thunder claimed the prize for the “Top Non-Corporate Fundraising Team” for the second year in a row at this year’s Memory Walk raising almost $40,000 for Alzheimer’s research, programs, and services. We hope to see the whole team back for Memory Walk in 2010!

Photos of Walking Thunder at the 2009 Memory Walk


Our Registration Team


Walking Thunder team co-captains Lauren Tammany
and Paulette Michaud with Jeffrey Jones, NYC Chapter Board Co-chair
& Walking Thunder chief supporter


Walking Thunder team members enjoying the day


Jeff Jones addresses the crowd

The Early-Stage Web Site was made possible by a generous sponsorship from Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.