Alzheimer’s expert Teepa Snow speaks at Presbyterian SeniorCare in Washington about celebrating the holidays with a dementia patient.

Betty Brooks and her daughter, Katie Fehl, play with Katie’s children, Corbin Michelucci, 1, and Kylena Fehl-Hill in Betty’s McDonald home. While Betty and Katie are still grieving the death of Anna Snatchko, their mother and grandmother, they said they are thankful for the kids because focusing on them helps Betty and Katie deal with Anna’s loss.

Betty Brooks compared two photos of her mother, Anna Snatchko, to depict the difference dementia made in the family’s lives. “This is the mom who I missed with dementia,” Betty said, pointing to the photo on the left. “This is the mother who I’ll miss my whole life,” she said, pointing to the photo on the right.

Dolores Jackson, once a bright and vibrant woman, died Aug. 11 after a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Don Dyson, shown in his sister’s Canton Township home, moved Oct. 1 to the Alzheimer’s wing at the Washington County Health Center.

Linda Dyson poses with the dog she got to keep her brother, Don, company when he was still living in her Canton Township home.

Patty Lewis at the 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Wana B Park in Carmichaels on Sept. 6.

John and Carol Yanda still plan to exchange gifts this Christmas despite Carol living at The Greenery Specialty Care Center in Canonsburg while John lives in Washington.

U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a member of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s, has a personal stake in making sure adequate funding is made available to find a cure for the disease.

David Lusk, associate director of advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association, talks about the work he does with Alzheimer’s Ambassadors during an interview at the Observer-Reporter in April.

George DeSantis of Burgettstown holds his wife, Dolores’, hand in this file photo taken in June.

Elaine Pfender, complete with her Christmas cooking hat, smiles with her husband, Fred, in the background during lunch at Senior LIFE in North Franklin Township.

Fred and Elaine Pfender share a moment during lunch at Senior LIFE in North Franklin Township.

Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter ¬ Helen Oreski celebrated her 93rd birthday May 6th with seniors at the Center in the Woods Senior Center in California.

Jo and Jack Lusk celebrate the Fourth of July in 2011.

Virginia Lama Pro with daughter Johanna Pro in an April file photo

Jack Lusk of North Franklin Township holds a framed photo of his wife, Jo, who died of Alzehimer’s disease in October 2013.

Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter Gina Lulicci shares a light moment with her grandmother, Maria Lacey, 103, in Southmont at Presbyterian Senior Care in North Franklin Township. Maria Lacey, 103, has moved from the Altzheimers unit at Presbyterian Senior Care to the Hospice unit in Southmont at the facility.

Helen Bucciarelli, left, sits next to her sister, Martha Smoljanovich, who attends SeniorCARE in Greene County five days a week to receive physical therapy and participate in activities that keep her early stages of dementia in check. The adult day care at SeniorCARE provides a respite for Helen, who is Martha’s primary caretaker.

Judy Keron gives her husband, Rudy Keron, a kiss on the cheek after Rudy spontaneously broke out in song and dance with Judy at the Washington County Health Center where Rudy resides.