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Ken Rabb and Stuart Post

Apublic interest attorney, Ken Rabb’s life was turned upside down seven years ago when he was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 52. This rare form of the disease accounts for up to 10 % of Alzheimer’s cases and aff ects people under the age of 65.

The presenting scientists were Mary Sano, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and her colleague, Hillel Grossman, MD, Co- Director of the Clinical Core of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Clinical Director of Mount Sinai Memory and Aging Center.

Now in the mid-stages of the disease and six years after his diagnosis Ken — once an amateur artist — has turned what used to be a hobby into a fl ourishing full-time endeavor. He even exhibited his work in a local Harlem café, Tanto Dulce, with sales benefi tting the NYC Chapter. Ken and his partner, Stuart Post, have donated over $500 from the sale and support of his work.

Ken’s artistic process, which was once belabored with technical precision, has developed into one that is more organic, free and creative. His exhibit comprised nearly 40 pieces—from wall paintings to hand painted Chinese soup bowls.

Stuart has been a long-time Chapter supporter and Memory Walk top fundraiser several times running. He recalls when Ken was an intensely intellectual person. Now his art gives him reason to smile often.

Stuart has been very creative and sensitive in designing Rabb’s home care. He didn’t simply want an aide. A unique part of Ken’s experience is his relationship with Jane Hart, his paid caregiver. Jane’s interest in his artwork mirrored the close-knit relationship the two have come to share over the past two years. According to Jane, “Stuart uses the word ‘peer,’ someone who goes to museums, who reads books like Kenny read when he read books.” Jane considers her work with Ken among the most rewarding things she has ever done and has been more than happy to step into the role of “studio assistant.” Ken continues to be healthy and robust, so he and Jane can spend hours exploring the city, going to all fi ve boroughs.

Stuart knows that despite his best efforts, there is going to come a time soon where he can’t change the situation. “I can’t hug Ken and say everything will be all right. Everything is not going to be all right.” But for now, they are all enjoying life one day at a time.



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