The Changing Treatment Landscape for Alzheimer’s Disease: Research Scientist to Update Metro Detroiters on New Strategies and Treatments at Free Program in Southfield, August 19, 2026!

 Photo courtesy of The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program

The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program, a day program offering innovative activities and care for metro Detroiters living with dementia, is offering families an opportunity to hear about the latest research initiatives at an educational Open House on Wed. Aug. 19 at 6.30 p.m. The free event will take place at Gesher Human Services (29699 Southfield Road, Southfield) which houses one of two Brown Centers, and will feature Dr. Rifky Tkatch PhD, Director of Real-World Evidence on the Global Medical Affairs Neurology Team in the pharmaceutical industry. There are currently two anti-amyloid therapies approved by the FDA which have changed the lives of thousands of patients in the US. The first Leqembi® (lecanemab), was developed by Eisai in partnership with Biogen and was approved by the FDA in 2023. It has been shown to significantly reduce cognitive and functional decline in patients with early Alzheimer’s Disease. The second was approved by the FDA in 2024 and is called Kisunla (donanemab). The Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association says there are more than 202,000 Michiganders living with Alzheimer’s.

“People living with the symptoms of early Alzheimer’s Disease and their families are hungry for information on the latest treatments, and how they can preserve an enjoyable and meaningful life for as many years as possible,” said Brown Center Director Debi Banooni. ‘’Dr. Tkatch studies how Alzheimer’s Disease develops, how to detect it earlier, and how treatments work in the real-world. She is also involved in the latest models of care to manage the disease in clinical practice, so will be able to provide families with much useful information along with hope for the future.” Dr. Tkatch received her PhD from the Department of Psychology at Wayne State University where she also completed fellowships at the Institute of Gerontology and the Karmanos Cancer Institute, followed by a position at the healthcare services company Optum where she specialized in Health Economics and Outcomes Research, before moving to the pharmaceutical industry.

The August 19 open house will provide:

• Latest updates on the current medications for Alzheimer’s Disease
• Information about emerging medications in the pipeline to treat Alzheimer’s Disease
• A tour of the Brown Center to show how it provides those living with dementia a meaningful and engaging day.

The Brown Center, which serves people of all religions and races, provides many interesting and engaging activities for its members including music, trivia games, art therapy, yoga and other fun games. Importantly, support is also provided to family care partners. The Brown Center, which has locations in Southfield and West Bloomfield, is a partnership between Gesher Human Services and Jewish Senior Life. ​

To register for the program, preferably by August 12, email Tracey Proghovnick at tproghovnick@jslmi.org or call 248.592.5048

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming, and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and the broader community to provide the skills, support, and equitable opportunities necessary for people to succeed. Gesher draws on over 110 years of combined experience to facilitate equitable employment opportunities and enhance mental health outcomes for Metro Detroiters. With a network of almost 500 employees and volunteers across more than 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of nearly 34,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.

About Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit

Founded in 1907, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) provides six inclusive residential communities with a continuum of care on two campuses in West Bloomfield and Oak Park, Michigan. JSL enhances the lives of older adults, embraces Jewish values, nurtures a sense of community, and celebrates life through innovative enrichment programs and services that support the social, physical, cultural, and spiritual wellness of all participants. JSL is a nonprofit organization that welcomes people of all beliefs and faiths. Visit https://jslmi.org/.