At only 29, Alana Rosenstein has already made a world of difference for a special community of people — those suffering with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. As a full-time social worker (with a master’s degree from New York University) at the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, Rosenstein facilitates caregivers’ support groups and support groups for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. She also administers “A Caregiver’s Friend,” a telephone-buddy program for caregivers.

In addition, Rosenstein coordinates and runs Al’z Club, a weekly socialization and cognitive stimulation program for individuals diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Initially, she explains, Al’z Club “started as a social gathering for people in early-stage, as a support group,” with occasional guest speakers. When scheduled speakers cancelled, Rosenstein says she’d fill their time slots with trivia and word games. These segments were so engaging and well-received by participants that they are now a focal activity at the twice-a-week meetings. “Staying mentally active is healthy for the brain,” she says. It’s also healthy for general self-esteem and well-being.

“My clients are so appreciative of just being treated with respect and being engaged on an intellectual level, being valued for who they are,” says Rosenstein. “If I can help someone live better in that moment, help someone continue to find enjoyment in their life even though they are living with this condition, then I feel successful.” But she adds wistfully that she hopes one day to be out of a job — that is, when researchers find a successful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.