7 Critical Ways The Alzheimer's Association Rochester NY Is Changing The Fight In 2025
The Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter remains the single most vital resource for thousands of families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Western New York. As of late 2025, the chapter is spearheading a renewed focus on local support, professional education, and major fundraising efforts, leveraging recent scientific breakthroughs to offer a sense of hope and practical assistance to the nine counties it serves. The organization provides a critical lifeline, offering everything from round-the-clock crisis intervention to in-person support groups and cutting-edge educational seminars.
The urgency of the chapter’s mission is clear: across New York State, over 426,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s, relying on the dedication of more than 543,000 unpaid caregivers who provide an estimated 879 million hours of care annually. The Rochester office is the local hub for mobilizing this fight, ensuring that every family in the Finger Lakes region has access to the support, education, and advocacy needed to manage this devastating neurodegenerative disease. The focus for 2025 is on accessibility and integrating the newest research into local care strategies.
Key Facts and Leadership of the Rochester & Finger Lakes Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter serves as the local nexus of a national movement, providing hyper-localized services across a wide geographic area. Established in 1985, the chapter has deep roots in the community and a mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through brain health.
Chapter Profile and Scope:
- Official Name: Alzheimer's Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter.
- Founded: 1985.
- Physical Location: 200 Meridian Centre Blvd, Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618.
- Geographic Service Area: The chapter serves nine counties within the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
- Funding Support: The chapter's vital programs are supported in part by grants from key state and county partners, including the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and Monroe County.
Key Leadership and Entities:
The chapter’s operations are driven by dedicated staff and a committed Board of Directors, ensuring local needs are met with national resources. Key personnel and board members include:
- Executive Director (Upstate New York Chapters): Kate Flannery
- Vice Director: Amanda Nobrega
- Staff Member: Arlene Wilson
- Board of Directors Entities: Nathan Brown (Fox Sports Radio), Maritza Buitrago (City of Rochester), Jeanette Cooper (Willow Ridge Senior Living), and Garrett Davenport (Brown & Brown Insurance), among others.
7 Essential Programs and Resources for Caregivers in the Finger Lakes
The Rochester chapter is a comprehensive resource center, offering a robust suite of free programs designed to support individuals with dementia, their families, and professional caregivers. These services are the backbone of the chapter's topical authority and local impact.
- The 24/7 Alzheimer's Association Helpline (800.272.3900): This is the chapter’s most critical resource, providing confidential support and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The helpline is staffed by master’s-level clinicians and specialists who can offer crisis assistance, emotional support, and referrals to local resources at any time.
- Care Consultations: A personalized service where a care consultant meets with the family, either in person or by phone, to assess needs, provide education, assist with planning for the future, and link them to appropriate community resources. This tailored guidance is essential for navigating the disease’s progression.
- Local Support Groups: The chapter facilitates numerous in-person and virtual support groups throughout the Finger Lakes region. These groups offer a safe, supportive environment for caregivers and family members to share experiences, coping strategies, and mutual encouragement.
- "Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body" Educational Series: This key educational program focuses on the latest scientific research, offering practical tips on diet, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement to help maintain brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- "10 Warning Signs" Program: A vital public education program designed to help the community recognize the early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia. This program is often hosted at local venues like the Webster Public Library, promoting early detection and intervention.
- Professional Resources and Training: For healthcare professionals, the chapter offers continuing education (CE) credits and specific programs to enhance their knowledge of dementia care best practices, ensuring a higher standard of care across the region.
- Safety and Wandering Programs: The chapter provides information and resources related to safety concerns, including wandering, which is a common issue for individuals with dementia. These resources help families implement strategies to keep their loved ones safe.
The 2025 Turning Point: Breakthroughs and the Walk to End Alzheimer's
The year 2025 is being viewed by the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes Region Chapter as a potential "turning point" in the fight against the disease. This optimistic outlook is fueled by significant advancements in research, particularly in new diagnostic tests and emerging treatments that offer the promise of slowing cognitive decline.
The chapter plays a critical role in disseminating this information locally, hosting events to share the latest research on causes, detection, and treatments, ensuring that Rochester and Finger Lakes residents are among the first to benefit from national and international breakthroughs.
The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's: A Local Mobilization
The biggest local event and largest fundraiser is the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, which mobilizes thousands of participants, corporate sponsors, and volunteers across the region. The funds raised directly support the chapter's local care, support, and education programs, while also contributing to global research efforts.
Key Details for the 2025 Rochester Walk:
- Event: Walk to End Alzheimer's ® Rochester & Finger Lakes Region.
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025.
- Location: Innovative Field (Home of the Rochester Red Wings).
- Purpose: To raise awareness and critical funds for Alzheimer's care, support, and research, solidifying the community's commitment to ending the disease.
Participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer's is a cornerstone of the chapter’s advocacy work, providing a visible, powerful demonstration of community solidarity against a disease that affects so many. It is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care and research, and the Rochester event is a major contributor to this global effort.
The Alzheimer's Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter is more than just an office; it is a dedicated network of support, education, and advocacy. By focusing on personalized care consultations, accessible educational programs like the "Healthy Living" series, and mobilizing the community through the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, the chapter ensures that no one in the region has to face this disease alone. Whether you need immediate crisis intervention via the 24/7 Helpline or want to join the fight for a cure, the Rochester chapter is the essential first step.
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