Joseph A. Massaro Jr. Alzheimer’s Research Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation Supports Memory Disorders Clinic to Enhance Care for Alzheimer’s Patients at Allegheny Health Network

Massaro Family Provides Support to AHN for the Integration of a Nurse Navigator Role to Advance Personalized Care of Patients in the AHN Neuroscience Institute and Memory Disorders Clinic

PITTSBURGH -- A gift from the Joseph A. Massaro Jr. Alzheimer’s Research Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation will support AHN Neuroscience Institute and Memory Disorders Clinic in fulfilling a critical mission to see that every patient experiencing memory loss receives caring, individualized care with the inclusion of a Nurse Navigator to serve as a concierge for patients and their families.

Memory loss is a common symptom, but people can also experience problems with language, have difficulty solving problems, undergo personality and behavior changes and struggle with activities of daily living, such as dressing and feeding oneself.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a progressive disease whose symptoms usually worsen over time.  While there is no cure for most conditions that cause cognitive decline, recognizing key symptoms can offer healthcare providers a window of opportunity to deliver medical care before any memory loss worsens.

“The Massaro family has experienced first-hand the impact of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and we are grateful they have chosen to honor the legacy of their father, Joseph A. Massaro, Jr., with this generous gift,” said Allie Quick, Chief Philanthropy Office at AHN.

“We appreciate the opportunity to honor our Mother’s vision of seeking answers and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s by investing in promising Alzheimer's research and treatment in the Pittsburgh region,” said Joseph Massaro III. “We are pleased to support this effort to provide Alzheimer’s patients, families and caregivers with an advocate within AHN who can connect them directly to additional benefits and services to improve their quality of life.”

Under the direction of Donald Whiting, MD, AHN’s Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the network’s Neuroscience Institute, AHN is a regional leader in the treatment and study of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases.  Just last month, for example, the network became one of just 20 US medical centers leading a landmark clinical trial studying the use of deep-brain stimulation therapy to treat early-stage Alzheimer's.  So far, early results from the study have been promising.

“Alzheimer’s is an extremely difficult health challenge that so many people in our region and across the country have to deal with in their lifetimes, either personally or through the experiences of their loved ones,” said Dr. Whiting. “The good news is that there are many brilliant healthcare professionals and researchers who are focused on improving the treatment and prognosis of Alzheimer’s patients, and there are incredibly generous people like the Massaro family who are helping us create that brighter future through their philanthropic support.”

To learn more about the AHN Neuroscience Institute, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease visit the website.

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