After 11 years of expansion and growth, the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation recently put all of its resources and services under one roof at 5 Channel Drive in Port Washington, in the structure formerly known as the Hyde Building. In addition to moving to an aesthetically pleasing light and airy facility, LIAF and its good works can now be enhanced and further expanded. Support groups can be made available to those on waiting lists; the hours of adult day care programs can be expanded and LIAF's wealth of knowledge about the many aspects of this disease can be centralized and easily accessible to the public.

Another advantage of this move is that LIAF was able to create interior space sensitive to AD patients, says LIAF President and CEO Debbi Honorof. For example, rather than using a patterned motif, solid colors are used for the walls and floor because those with perceptual problems process solids better. Also a separate quarters for the Memory Lane Club, an adult day care program, has been specially designed for these middle-stage Alzheimer patients, with the help of a $100,000 grant from State Senator Michael Balboni who is very supportive of LIAF efforts. It includes a kitchen, where they bake and cook, and a separate, out-of-the-way, coat closet because when AD patients see their coats they sometimes think it's time to go home. Two handicapped access bathrooms were installed also.

Sufficient space for programs is naturally another advantage. Debbi Honorof reports that with the additional space in the new facility a room where a group of students in the transitional educational program at the National Center for Disability Services help out with mailings three times a week has been created. "Right now we're working on our Sixth Annual Golf Outing mailing that will be held June 21 at The Sands Point Golf Club," said Ms. Honorof.

This room is also used to mail out the 17,500 LIAF quarterly newsletters, which is done "completely in house," according to Ms. Honorof. The newsletter, LIAFline, offers information on the latest research and treatment, in addition to providing updates on medical and legal issues, and useful information for caregivers. Ms. Honorof noted that the LIAF mailing lists are never given out.

A separate room for the early stage Alzheimer patients is also available which is really more like a lounge with a big comfortable couch. This room, dubbed "Alz' Club" by its inhabitants can be used any time of the day for socializing, relaxing or for a group discussion with a guest speaker.

Meeting rooms are also available for the members of the Early Stage Alzheimer's Support Group and the Spousal Caregiver Group who come to the center and receive support, increase their interpersonal relationships, and develop abilities to cope more effectively with the changes that come with Alzheimer's disease.

On a weekly basis, one group of early stage Alzheimer patients and their spouses meet at 11 a.m. separately, but simultaneously, and then stay for lunch afterwards. Participants raved about the positive effect these weekly get-togethers have on their lives.

One couple reside in Hauppauge, but are currently looking to move to Port Washington to be closer to the center. Originally, however, before the onset of the husband's Alzheimer's, their wish was to move to Manhattan. Now, because the husband cannot work or drive, they've had to alter their plans. But with the support of the group, the couple had adjusted better to their new circumstances.

The camaraderie among this group is palpable. "We'd even go food shopping for each other if need be," said one woman good naturedly, then added jokingly, "but we won't cook it!" They also related that a strong feeling of closeness exists among them even though their backgrounds are varied and diverse.

"The support groups give us strength and a feeling of love," said one spouse of an early stage AD patient. "It's more important for the caregivers to have this outlet," said another, adding "This disease tends to isolate individuals." "Here, we feel safe," said another spouse/caregiver.

Both patients and caregivers go out and speak to various groups of people including medical students, residents and fellows at colleges. The health professionals respond positively to the presentations, saying that they're well organized and provide them with clinically relevant experiences that deepen their understanding of the disease.

Speaking to groups also serves another function for the AD patient. Being stimulated and staying active helps stave off the effects of the disease.

One gentleman, an articulate and well-spoken retired radiologist and early stage AD patient, starts his presentation as a qualified physician would, and then notes the shock on the faces of audience members when he informs them that he is an Alzheimer's sufferer.

Susan Wallach, C.S.W., has run the group for three years. She says, "In groups, the members really help each other. "It's comforting to find others with the same feelings and fears as one's own," she notes. "Each person can have a chance to grieve his/her loss. Often, sufferers are reluctant to address their concerns about the disease with their caregivers, or conversely, caregivers may be reluctant to discuss the ramifications with their loved ones. The group format offers the opportunity for the sufferer to speak candidly."

Of the weekly group session and lunch, Ms. Wallach says, "Groups members benefit greatly from both the therapeutic and social interaction." Group members report that they socialize outside of their weekly gatherings, having picnics and going to restaurants together.

One AD patient calls it "an emeritus social club," with the "common denominator that we're no longer what we were." However, he's quick to say that most members of the group have come to terms with the illness. "We're not depressed to any extent that would require professional care, he says. "The group gives us solace and companionship, he says smiling. Summing up he says quietly but emphatically, "Life hasn't ended."

One couple who have lived in Port for 20 years turned the challenges of Alzheimer's challenge into some positives in their life. In 1995, after a long, successful history of working with computers, Paul Liebow, who was then 52, lost three jobs in two years. A computer maven hailing from the time, in his words, "the '60s when computers were the size of meeting rooms," he finally went to a neurologist for "tests, tests and more tests," when he was finally told he had Alzheimer's.

Before he was diagnosed, however, Paul joined the Port Washington Fire Department as a member of the EMS group to do something productive and meaningful with his life.

Reluctant at first to tell the EMS officers that he had AD, he finally steeled himself and shared his news. "They gave me 100 percent support," he said. "I have a few restrictions: like driving the ambulances and giving medical treatment. But I can work in the ambulance, carry equipment and comfort patients and give them aid. I will continue to do this as long as I can," says Paul.

He also notes, "Nobody treated me differently."

Paul is deeply concerned about the lack of people coming forward to volunteer these days. "I'm one of the few EMSes who are available to man the phones in the morning." As he's both a talker and a doer, Paul joined the recruitment committee to help improve the situation.

Reflecting on his experiences of the past few years, Paul says, "Lately, I have been thinking about AD patients. From group sessions, and talking to others that I meet, I realize that AD patients---at least those in the early stage--need to be more a part of everybody's life."

Paul's latest venture makes excellent use of his "computer" powers. Reaching out to early AD patients, he has initiated an on-line chat-room for early AD patients, which has met with great success.

Another outgrowth of the AD experience for the Liebows is that Paul's wife Marlene switched the focus of her public relations career. After joining a LIAF spousal support group, Marlene eventually became the Public Relations Coordinator for the foundation. "I get to do what I like, while staying abreast of what's happening with the disease," she says.

For those unfamiliar with the disease, here are some of the facts:

* Alzheimer's Disease is a slow, progressive, degenerative disorder of the brain that eventually results in abnormal brain function and death.

* More than 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease.

* More than 120,000 individuals in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn and Queens suffer from Alzheimer's Disease.

* Alzheimer's Disease costs approximately $174,000 per patient lifetime.

With all the important work the foundation is doing, Port's lucky to now be home to LIAF. The organization feels the same way, according to Debbi Honorof. "We're thrilled to be back in Port," she says. "That's where we started. The community has always been so supportive. I feel like we're back home."

Port is also home to LIAF Founder and Chairman of the Board Janet Walsh, who's equally thrilled to be back in Port. "There's such a strong community involvement here in social services related organizations," says Janet. She speaks highly of the Port Washington Community Chest which has helped launch many local charitable groups into nationwide recognition. "The community has embraced us warmly, says Janet. "We may be swimming upstream a lot of the times, but so many people swim alongside of us."

What's next for LIAF? Janet advises that LIAF still has "900 million dreams," and reports, "and we're busy working on them." Debbi told us that a $4 million capital campaign drive has begun to pay for the building, programs and endowments.

And of course, LIAF and its many caring staff, volunteers and patients will continue their day-to-day efforts helping themselves and others face the challenging aspects of this devastating disease. Indisputably, a day well spent.