Alzheimer’s and dementia are a scary disease. What makes it so scary is the fact that it’s not totally understood. Teams of researchers have tried for years to decipher the disease and figure out what causes it and what we can do to stop it. Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure just yet. However, that doesn’t mean those with the disease must completely lose all quality of life. Luckily, there are communities such as Memory Care at the Park, where seniors can continue to maintain the best quality of life possible living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

On Thursday, November 12th local legislators and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association looked onward as members from Gloria Dei Communities Corporation unveiled the latest expanded facilities for Memory Care at the Park. In attendance included: State Senator Stewart Greenleaf; State Representative Thomas Murt; U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle; Associate Director of Clinical Services for the Delaware Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Kerry Brown; CEO of Gloria Dei Senior Communities, Vincent Dattilo; and the President of Gloria Dei Senior Communities, Susan Wright.

Why were there so many important people on hand for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony? It is because dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have silently become an epidemic here in America. Every 70 seconds someone new develops Alzheimer’s. When you combine all of the various types of dementias together, you get about 35 million people diagnosed with some form of a cognitive disease. That number is entirely too high, and it’s nice to see so many prominent figures within the community who are willing to standup against this disease and raise awareness in order to fight it.

Gloria Dei has not only doubled its capacity to aid those who are living with the disease, but they have also donated $10,000 to the Delaware Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Kerry Brown, Associate Director of Clinical Services, was on hand in order to receive this charitable donation and to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony.


These 21 new residences, coupled with the 21 already existing residences, will bring much needed top quality care to individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There is no reason as to why someone’s quality of life cannot continue after they are diagnosed with a cognitive disease. Gloria Dei Communities has always employed a mission that involves the highest level of person-centered care, while also preserving our resident’s dignity.