Forget-Me-Not

by Zara Jethani

David Merrill, MD, PhD, Director of the Brain Health Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, was honored by OPICA at the 2024 Annual Forget-Me-Not Luncheon. OPICA Adult Day Program & Counseling Center has been serving older adults affected by memory loss and their families for over 42 years.

Read Dr. Merrill’s moving speech below.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

I am deeply honored to be here today at OPICA’s annual Forget-Me-Not Luncheon. Thank you to the entire OPICA team for this incredible recognition. I am truly humbled to be celebrated by an organization that does so much to support those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

My journey in this field began at the age of 20, when I started as a volunteer at Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay (ASEB) in Berkeley where I grew up and attended college.

Like OPICA, ASEB provides adult day care services, which include therapeutic activities, social engagement, professional care, and support tailored to the needs of people with cognitive impairments.

What began as a volunteer position at ASEB quickly became much more. At ASEB, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact that dedicated care and support can have on individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. I saw the immense value of creating environments where those with dementia can find compassion, understanding, and respect.

Working at ASEB, I transitioned from a volunteer to a staff member, and during this time, I learned that the heart of Alzheimer’s care lies not only in medical treatment but in the community and support systems that surround the individuals affected. Places like ASEB and OPICA are not just facilities—they are lifelines for those navigating the challenges of dementia. They provide a sanctuary where individuals can experience a sense of belonging and where caregivers can find much-needed respite and support.

The significance of, and the need to support, these organizations cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and their families. They offer programs that promote cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and emotional well-being. They provide a compassionate space where individuals are valued and understood, where their stories are heard, and where their dignity is preserved.

Today, as a psychiatrist and Director of the Pacific Brain Health Center, I carry with me the lessons I learned during those early days at ASEB. Those experiences shaped my understanding of the holistic approach required in dementia care—one that encompasses medical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. They taught me that successful care hinges on collaboration, community, and unwavering empathy.

OPICA stands as a beacon of hope and support for countless families. OPICA’s commitment to enhancing the lives of those with Alzheimer’s through innovative programs and comprehensive care is truly commendable. You provide not just care, but a community—a place where individuals can thrive despite the challenges they face.

Thank you, OPICA, for the incredible work you do each day. Thank you for your dedication to improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and for fostering an environment of compassion and excellence. I am deeply grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing our shared mission to support and uplift the Alzheimer’s community.

Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you.

About Dr. David Merrill

David A. Merrill, MD, PhD, is a double board certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist. He specializes in the behavioral health sequelae of age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disorder, and head trauma, tumor, and stroke. His practice, educational endeavors, and research activity focus on Precision Brain Health, applying precision medicine approaches to optimize brain aging in middle-aged and older adults at risk for and with neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. He also directs the transcranial magnetic stimulation consult service at PBHC for depression and cognition.