Pictured: Dr. Concha sharing exciting news about the impact of new treatments for Alzheimer's at the first Memory Care Pioneers get together, a celebration of hope. Photo courtesy of Skip Cohen.

Dr. Mauricio Concha, a dedicated neurologist at Intercoastal Medical Group (IMG), is at the forefront of the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Working closely with Skip Cohen, Director of the Memory Care Alliance, Dr. Concha recently hosted an event for patients currently receiving one of the latest treatments for Alzheimer’s, allowing them to share their personal experiences. The event took place on Saturday, March 29, from 10am-12pm at the Senior Friendship Centers, spotlighting an innovative treatment that is slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects nearly seven million Americans.

In his invitation to patients, Dr. Concha wrote: “At the IMG Memory Clinic, we are committed to slowing the progression of this disease and improving the quality of life for those affected. As a participant in our new treatment infusion program, you are at the forefront of this fight. Your dedication is helping shape the future of Alzheimer’s care.”

Skip Cohen emphasizes the impact of the treatment, noting how it has significantly slowed the disease's progression. "One patient who was part of the drug trial for three years saw no decline in cognitive memory during that time."

In the past, Dr. Concha's only tool for delivering an Alzheimer's diagnosis was a box of tissues. Today, however, thanks to new treatments, there is genuine hope for patients and families. The event on March 29 celebrated this hope, bringing together Dr. Concha and Cohen—both of whom have family members affected by Alzheimer’s—along with 15 members of the Memory Care Alliance, John Ferrari, the group’s elder care representative, and 120 guests, including over a third who were "memory care pioneers"--patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and currently undergoing these new treatments. Additionally, 45 caregivers, as well as key members of the Memory Care Alliance, including Alzheimer’s Walk Director Andrea Helme and Erin McLeod, CEO of the Senior Friendship Centers, were present.

“One patient wrote a speech to share her experience and was worried she wouldn’t make it through the first paragraph without crying,” Cohen recalls. “She shared how her initial fear of the disease has been replaced by a powerful sense of hope.”

Pictured: Dr. Concha sharing exciting news about the impact of new treatments for Alzheimer's at the first Memory Care Pioneers get together, a celebration of hope. Photo courtesy of Skip Cohen.