Advancing the Science: the Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research

Apr 22, 2024 12:15 PM

Faith Parker and Susan Antkowiak

Faith Parker, who heads up the annual Alzheimer’s Disease fund raiser “Lexington Goes Purple”, and Susan Antkowiak, Vice President of Programs & Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter, will be our speakers. Faith on Lexington Goes Purple, and Susan will cover such topics as the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, lifestyle interventions and modifiable risk factors, and the newest treatments.

Faith Parker: Faith holds a BA from Wellesley College and a master’s degree in human services management from the Heller School at Brandeis University. She worked for 14 years in the human resources field managing corporate pension and executive benefit plans at Boston companies including Avery Dennison and BankBoston. In 2000 she retired from corporate life and co-founded the Parker Family Foundation, a private family foundation whose funding priorities include education, the arts, and health care/Alzheimer’s. Faith served on the Board of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for nine years and was Board President for two years.

Faith’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2002 and passed away in 2008. In 2017 Faith co-founded “Lexington Goes Purple”, an awareness and fundraising event held every June under the umbrella of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “The Longest Day” Program. Now in its eighth year, Lexington Goes Purple 2024’s activities will include a Bridge tournament, a film screening, a lecture, our signature Purple Puppy Promenade, purple decorations in Lexington Center and purple flower beds honoring Lexington residents dealing with dementia.

Susan Antkowiak: Susan is the Vice President of Programs & Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. In her role, Susan is responsible for overseeing Association staff and volunteers in the delivery of core programs including care consultation, evidence-based education programs, support groups and early-stage social engagement programs for individuals living with dementia, caregivers and the public. Susan is a Research Champion, serving as an ambassador to the Alzheimer’s Association research mission, providing high-level updates on the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. She is the Chapter Lead for the New England/Rhode Island site of US POINTER, an Alzheimer’s Association funded 2-year clinical trial examining a multidomain lifestyle intervention for older adults at risk for cognitive decline. Susan serves on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Treatment for the State of Massachusetts.

As an additional reminder, Lexington Goes Purple is a significant annual Town of Lexington event in which funds are raised to help support both treatment and research of Alzheimer's Disease.