This episode of Nonprofit Report features three leaders on the frontlines of Alzheimer’s advocacy, research, and community care. Together, they explore the science behind the disease, the caregiving challenges, and the promise of prevention.
Guests:
Kenneth Zaentz, CFRE., President & CEO, Alzheimer’s New Jersey
Dr. Karen Gilbert, DNP., VP of Education & Quality Assurance, Alzheimer’s Community Care (Florida)
Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly, PhD., Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association – Northern California & Northern Nevada
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Alzheimer’s is a widespread public health issue, with over 6.5 million Americans living with the disease. That’s 1 in 9 people over age 65. It affects individuals, families, and entire communities—across every race, gender, and income level.
- Dementia is a symptom—Alzheimer’s is a cause. Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia, the most common form.
- While diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions (like Lewy body or vascular dementia), all three experts emphasize the importance of personalized care, human connection, and dignity—especially when memory and language fade.
- Caregiving means entering their world—not correcting it. Zaentz advises caregivers not to focus on facts, but on emotional truth.
- Meaningful engagement can slow decline. Gilbert and Edgerly highlight the impact of creative, tailored programming—from painting and music to physical movement and day center activities. These efforts may not cure the disease, but they can extend quality of life and reduce despair.
Other Points on Alzheimer’s Disease:
Despite there being no definitive cure, early intervention and lifestyle changes can make a difference. Healthy diets, exercise, treating high blood pressure, and reducing diabetes risk all contribute to brain health. Edgerly notes research suggests that 20% of dementia cases could be prevented through vascular health management alone.
At a systems level, the guests raise alarm around the inadequacy of Medicare and long-term care infrastructure. Most support services (in-home care, adult day centers, long-term housing) are not covered, placing unsustainable financial and emotional burdens on families. The solution, they agree, lies in federal-level reform and public health investment.
All three organizations work to support underserved populations, including people with intellectual disabilities like Down’s syndrome, who face disproportionately high Alzheimer’s risk but lack adequate support systems.
