Westbury nonprofit gives hope to families dealing with dementia

A nonprofit group based in Westbury is helping Long Island families who have a loved one with dementia.

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2019, 7:50 PM

Updated 1,623 days ago

Share:

The Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center on Old Country Road provides a six-day-a-week program for dementia patients. The center also provides in-home respite care for patients and their caregivers.
"We know that there's around 56,000 people living on Long Island with this disease, and we want to be able to help them in any way we can," says Tori Cohen, of the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center.
Experts say dementia patients are being diagnosed at an earlier age, with some people as young as their 50s. They say it can cause financial ruin for a lot of families. That's why the center works on a sliding scale with patients.
Naheed Raja, whose husband is a dementia patient, says the center helped her find ways to be strong for her husband and to have faith.
Raja's husband Sajjad was diagnosed with early onset dementia in his 50s. She says the disease put a tremendous strain on the family both financially and emotionally. After doing some research she connected with Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center.
"When I entered these doors, I was crying," says Raja. "I was shaking, but they made me strong."
Raja says she brings her husband to the center twice a week and he gets to dance to his favorite music. She says it offers her a glimpse of the man her husband used to be.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks