Honoree Ellie Slovis and FJA student Cami Katzen

Honoree Janet Pont and FJA student Maddie Charnas

Honoree Roslyn Garber and FJA 
student Ryan Schmeltz
Honoree Jim August and FJA 
student Rebecca Rabin

JUNE 29 • 2023 | 37

The Alzheimer’s Association 
Michigan chapter hosted a 
free event in honor of Jewish 
American Heritage Month 
in Southfield on Wednesday, 
May 31, where they featured 
a challah bread braiding 
demonstration and a presen-
tation on Healthy Living for 
the Brain and Body.
Participants learned about 
researched-based lifestyle tips 
that keep the brain and body 
healthy throughout the stages 
of aging and practical ways to 
plan for healthy aging. 
“For Jewish Americans, the 
risk of developing demen-
tia is higher due to genetic 
factors, especially for those 
with Ashkenazi Jewish ances-
try,” said Elizabeth Cole, 
Alzheimer’s Association 
Michigan Chapter pro-
gram manager. “The risk 
for depression and anxiety 
also is higher among Jewish 
Americans, which can also 
contribute to cognitive 
decline. Now more than 
ever it is important to come 
together as a community. 
Making and braiding challah 
is not only delicious, it is tak-
ing something physical and 
elevating it into something 

spiritual. It is also an act of 
unity.”
More than 6 million 
Americans live with Alzheimer’s 
disease. In Michigan, 190,000 
people aged 65 and older 
lived with the disease in 2020. 
By the year 2025, it’s estimat-
ed that number will increase 
to 220,000. 

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s 

Association visit alz.org/gmc. 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION MICHIGAN

Alzheimer’s Association of 
Michigan Celebrates Jewish 
American Heritage Month

Rania Nunu, Samuel Kole, Jeffrey Millstein, Linda Kole, Karen Kline 
and Liz Kole, program manager for Jewish outreach. 

During the program, attendees 
learned about healthy living for 
the brain and body and then were 
taught how to braid challah.