“We are committed to providing service to the Frederick community,” says David McShea, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter. The pledge supports an estimated 10.9 percent of county residents age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. As the nation’s sixth leading cause of death, more than 7 million U.S. residents are affected by the progressive brain disorder, and 127,200 are Marylanders.
Around-the-clock access to information
From an office in Towson, Maryland, the Chapter serves 18 counties and Baltimore City.
Program Director Ilene Rosenthal leads the coordinated effort delivering education programs, support groups, and other resources where they are needed. “No one should navigate an Alzheimer’s journey alone,” says Rosenthal. “That’s why we partner with local agencies and businesses to make our resources accessible and increase awareness about our services, the importance of an early diagnosis, as well as how to protect brain health throughout every stage of life.”
The 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 is a confidential service. “Being able to call when it is convenient is invaluable,” says Rosenthal. People living with dementia, caregivers, families, professionals, and the public can use the free service. A live person provides information, local resources, crisis assistance, and emotional support. Help is available in a preferred language through a bilingual staff or interpreter service, which accommodates more than 200 languages.
Raising Alzheimer’s
The three-member Program staff work with community volunteers to present ongoing education programs. Caregiving topics include understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, exploring care and support services, how to communicate effectively as the disease progresses, and understanding dementia behaviors. To register for education programs, visit alz.org/marylandeducation.
The Chapter also presents programs on how to make brain health a priority throughout every stage of life. The popular program Healthy Living for the Brain & Body (HLBB) outlines steps to modify risks. If you would like to arrange for HLBB or another program to be scheduled in your community, please contact Kristi Mroz at krmroz@alz.org or call 443-632-9732.
Data shows Maryland ranks as the state with the highest estimated dementia prevalence for residents age 65 and older, with 12.9 percent. “To address this health crisis, we are 1 working with community partners to educate the public on how lifestyle changes can protect brain health and lower the risk of future cognitive decline,” says Rosenthal. A grant from the Greater Maryland Chapter helped fund the Alzheimer’s Association’s U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER). Results from the two-year, multi-site clinical trial were unveiled at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC2025) held in July in Toronto, Canada. Two different lifestyle interventions, in a representative population of older adults at risk for cognitive decline and dementia, found that both interventions in the monitored and self-governed programs improved cognition in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. U.S. POINTER Study results.
Providing welcoming spaces
In the early stage of dementia, social interaction is beneficial to the person with memory loss and their care partner. “Receiving a diagnosis can be an isolating time when support from others is needed,” says Program Manager Kristi Mroz. “Early-stage social engagement activities have included fieldtrips to zoos, museums, ballgames, art classes and cookouts.” Memory Café is another activity that offers a safe and relaxing place. People with earlystage memory loss, their families, friends, and health professionals meet for a unique blend of education and social interaction to share experiences and socialize. Partners include the Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence, which hosts a monthly Memory Café.
Building community support
“We want families to stay connected to us for support when they first suspect memory loss or receive a diagnosis, and throughout their journey,” says Rosenthal. During the past two years in Frederick, 749 new people contacted the Alzheimer’s Association for assistance. Last year’s services in Frederick include presenting 15 education programs, 22 early-stage social engagement programs, and 23 support groups. Community support plays a major role in delivering services. Volunteer facilitators lead 50 statewide support groups that meet in-person or virtually. These include meetings at Spring Arbor of Frederick and Edenton senior living communities. Download a list of support groups at https://www.alz.org/maryland/support.
Lunch and Learn brings dementia resources to the workplace
Data shows the U.S. workforce has many people bearing the responsibility of caring for a family member living with dementia. To support these workers, the Alzheimer’s Association works with businesses to bring dementia awareness to the workplace. Lunch and Learn presentations are held during lunchtime, followed by a question-and-answer session. “The popularity of the presentations often has employers remark that they are surprised to learn that so many of their employees are family caregivers,” says Kristi Mroz, program manager. To book a Lunch and Learn, contact Kristi Mroz at krmroz@alz.org or call (443) 632-9732 x1828.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s covers the bases
On October 12, Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Western Maryland meets at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. As one of 600 sites across the country, the annual event is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s support services, resources, and medical research. Western Maryland’s Walk goal is to register 900 walkers and raise $276,000. “Corporate sponsorship is essential for us to reach our fundraising goal, and Frederick businesses are stepping up to the plate,” says Marilyn Herbert, development manager, who coordinates the event. Having a local celebrity endorse the event helps motivate turnout. WFRE Radio personality Tom Whalen returns as emcee. Joining the fight to end Alzheimer’s is personal for the host of Free Country Wake Up. His fraternal twin brother, Michael, died from Alzheimer’s in 2015. The Flower Garden Ceremony that starts every Walk is a visible reminder of how Alzheimer’s is impacting the community. Every walker holds a large pinwheel flower whose color indicates how the disease touches their lives: blue – living with the disease; yellowserving as a caregiver; orange-advocating for research, public health policy, and support services; and purple-having lost someone to the disease. “When all the flowers are raised together, everyone sees a sea of assorted colors with a joint commitment to end the disease,” says Herbert. To learn more about the Walk, contact Marilyn Herbert at mjherbert@alz.org or call 240-549-5085. Register for the Walk at bit.ly/WMDWALK.
Be an advocate
The Alzheimer’s Association is the only Alzheimer’s and dementia organization with a presence at the federal level and within all 50 states, working with policymakers to advance dementia research, care, treatment, and support. Advocates have helped secure $3.8 billion in NIH federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research and established national and state public policy plans. Across the state, we partner with volunteer advocates to share stories with federal and state policymakers. “In Frederick, we have worked closely with Representative April McClain-Delaney’s office to ensure that Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to be a priority in the community,” says Director of Government Affairs Megan Peters. “Frederick advocates come together to share how this disease has impacted their lives in hopes that one day we will find a cure.” Residents are encouraged to share their dementia stories and engage with policymakers. To learn how to become an advocate, contact Lynn Phan, Advocacy Manager, at lnphan@alz.org or call 443-266-2248.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit our website at alz.org/Maryland.
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