Getting a Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and What to do

Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support.

Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.  

Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.  

In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.  

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
Website: alz.org/ct
Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut
General email: [e-mail]