Navigating Alzheimer's and Dementia Support in Silicon Valley: A Conversation with the Alzheimer's Association

Written By Jake Nelson

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support for Family Caregivers

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it can feel like the world shifts overnight. For families in Silicon Valley, understanding what support systems exist and how to access them is the first step toward navigating this complex and emotional journey.

In a recent episode of SYNERGY Sessions: Aging Smarter in Silicon Valley, host Tom Nelson sat down with Vanessa Souza, Senior Manager for Community Engagement at the Alzheimer's Association, to discuss local resources, research advancements, caregiver strategies, and how to get help right away in Santa Clara County and beyond.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kPjimO4ySho


What the Alzheimer’s Association Does

The Alzheimer’s Association is a national organization with a local presence in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, including Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Their mission spans four core areas:

1. Care and Support

  • 24/7 Helpline: A nationwide, free resource available at 800-272-3900 for information, support, and local referrals.

  • Support Groups and Education: Both in-person and virtual sessions for caregivers and individuals living with dementia.

  • Care Consultations: One-on-one help for families navigating new diagnoses or planning next steps.


2. Research and Innovation

The Association supports global and local research projects. Right here in the Bay Area, researchers are receiving grants to investigate:

  • Disease-modifying treatments

  • Prevention strategies

  • Risk reduction through lifestyle changes


A major highlight from the conversation was the FDA approval of a blood test to support Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Though not a standalone diagnostic tool, it's a promising advancement in early detection.


3. Public Awareness

Vanessa shared that many families only discover the Alzheimer's Association long after a diagnosis. The organization works to ensure more people know about support options before a crisis hits.


4. Advocacy and Representation

The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, a separate advocacy arm, encourages local families to get involved in state and federal legislation around dementia care. Public policy and inclusivity are key focuses, ensuring all communities have access to care and representation in research.



Local Access in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties

Families in Silicon Valley benefit from a strong local infrastructure of services, often coordinated through the Alzheimer’s Association. When you call the helpline or visit alz.org, services are customized based on ZIP code.

What You Can Find:

  • Local support groups (virtual and in-person)

  • Educational programs at senior centers and libraries

  • Pre-recorded webinars on topics like home care, dementia symptoms, and family dynamics



The Importance of Early Detection and Annual Screenings

Vanessa emphasized that anyone over the age of 65 should undergo annual cognitive screenings to establish a baseline. Like cholesterol or blood pressure checks, cognitive health assessments help track meaningful changes year to year.

Early detection enables families to:

  • Explore treatment options

  • Make legal and financial plans

  • Seek emotional support sooner



Lifestyle and Prevention Research

Exciting results are expected soon from the U.S. POINTER Study, a large lifestyle intervention trial examining how exercise, diet, and other modifiable factors may delay or reduce dementia risk. While the final results are pending, this is a promising area for those with a family history of Alzheimer’s.



Getting Involved: Walks, Advocacy, and Volunteering

The Alzheimer’s Association relies heavily on volunteers and community participation to fuel its mission. Vanessa shared her own story of starting as a walk participant in 2009 and later serving in various volunteer roles.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Held every fall across the U.S. Silicon Valley’s event is typically in October.

  • Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day: A one-day event in Sacramento to speak with legislators.

  • Become a Community Educator or Event Volunteer

  • Send reminder postcards, thank-you notes, or help with virtual admin tasks

To get started, visit alz.org or call the helpline.



Support for Caregivers: Start with One Step

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was this: Start anywhere. The journey can feel overwhelming, but making a single phone call or attending one support group can start the domino effect of building a caregiving network.

Tips for New Caregivers:

  • Make a list of people who can help

  • Be specific when asking for help (e.g., dog walking, grocery pick-up, an afternoon visit)

  • You can ask friends to focus on you, not just the person with dementia

Vanessa encouraged caregivers to think of respite care in both small and big ways – from 10-minute breathers to full afternoons off. And she reminded listeners: Support isn’t just for the person with the diagnosis; it’s for the caregiver, too.

How SYNERGY HomeCare of Silicon Valley Supports Families

For families in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, SYNERGY HomeCare of Silicon Valley plays a crucial role in helping seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home. Our services are personalized to match each client’s situation and provide relief for family caregivers.

Services Include:

  • Alzheimer’s and dementia care

  • Respite care and caregiver relief

  • Companion care and engagement

  • Help with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders

Our caregivers are trained to support individuals with memory loss and understand the stress caregivers face. We're here to be your trusted local partner, helping seniors remain independent while giving families peace of mind.



You Don’t Have To Do This All Alone

If you need support for yourself or a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia:

If you need in-home care in Silicon Valley:

Resources and References

Jake Nelson
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