PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Saturday, May 17 the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium will hold its always-anticipated public conference. This free event gathers more than 200 patients, caregivers, family members, and interested persons together with researchers, caregiving experts, and other leaders in the field to learn how we are advancing science in detection, treatment, care, and a cure.
For more than 20 years, the Consortium has recognized an individual or organization for making exceptional contributions to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, bringing hope to affected patients and families.
The John Theobald Memorial Community Service Award is given in memory of the Consortium’s founding Board Chair, who did so much to bring the Consortium’s seven different member organizations together.
This year’s recipient is Dr. Michael Zuendel. Mike’s story is one of practicality, courage, and the strength to see through a new era of treatment in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
With a family history of Alzheimer’s disease—and as a caretaker for his parents, who died from Alzheimer’s—Mike proactively sought out early detection, patient-centered treatment and positions of advocacy. In 2020, at the age of 66, Mike was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease.
Mike served on the National Early-Stage Advisors Group of the Alzheimer’s Association—selected for the Global Neuroscience Patient Council, Champion for the Voices of Alzheimer’s organization—and sits on the Alzheimer’s Patient Advisory Board of the Center for Study on Clinical Research Participation. Mike also serves on the Board of Directors of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Foundation.
Mike and his wife Brooks co-founded the “Initiative to Change the ‘D-Word’”, a movement focused on eliminating the use of the words “dementia/demented” and encouraging more respectful, patient-centered language.
“Over the years, we have recognized individuals who have had an indelible impact on Alzheimer’s disease care and research in Arizona. This year, we have the chance to recognize someone who is an inspiration to us all in the clinical fight against Alzheimer’s and related diseases,” said Eric M. Reiman, MD, Director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium. “Thanks to his and his family’s generosity, the courageous and extremely hopeful way he talks about his own experience with Alzheimer’s, and his efforts to help the world talk about cognitive impairment in positive and proactive ways, Mike Zuendel is helping others identify their problem, get an appropriate diagnosis, and receive care at the earliest and most treatable time.”
The May 17 event is free and open to the public. The program includes:
- David W. Coon, PhD, Arizona State University
- Marwan Sabbagh, MD, Barrow Neurological Institute
- Nicholas Ashton, PhD, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
- Parichita Choudhury, MD, Banner Sun Health Research Institute
- Dona Locke, PhD, Mayo Clinic
- Eric Reiman, MD, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
- “Shine Your Light Choir” presented by Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
- Q&A with health care and community services providers
- Interactions with our member institutions, service providers, care facilities, clinical trial providers, and information about ways to participate in research and other Alzheimer’s related support activities
Free breakfast, free lunch, and free parking are provided. Seating is limited. Registration is required online at azalz.org/2025conference.
Saturday May 17, 8:15am – 1:00pm
ASU Health Futures Center
6161 E Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
###
About the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium
The Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium (AAC) is the nation’s leading model of statewide collaboration in Alzheimer’s disease research and is comprised of seven member institutions: Arizona State University, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, Mayo Clinic, TGen, and the University of Arizona. Established in 1998, the Consortium capitalizes on its participating institutions’ complementary strengths in brain imaging computer science, genomics, the basic and cognitive neurosciences and clinical and neuropathology research to promote the scientific understanding and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and find effective disease-stopping and prevention therapies. It also seeks to educate Arizona residents about Alzheimer’s disease, research progress in the state, and the resources needed to help patients, families, and professionals manage the disease. The Consortium is determined to find effective treatments to halt the progression and prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease without losing a generation. For more information visit azalz.org.
For more information about the Initiative to Change the “D-Word” and its work, visit notdemented.com.
Media Contacts:
Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium
Michael Terrill, Off Melrose, 480-836-0330 [email protected]
Initiative to Change the “D-Word”
Connor McLaughlin, High Lantern Group, [email protected]
