In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit and significance of Women’s History Month, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles gathered community leaders, advocates, caregivers, and partners for an inspiring afternoon tea dedicated to recognizing the powerful role women play in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The elegant Visionary Women Tea served as both a celebration and a call to action—bringing together individuals committed to advancing research, awareness, and support for the millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s.
Among those supporting the afternoon’s gathering was Attorney Collins and The Collins Law Group, whose advocacy and engagement continue to strengthen Alzheimer’s awareness across the Los Angeles community. Attorney Collins proudly serves as an Official Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, helping amplify education, outreach, and resources for families navigating Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
The Collins Law Group was also recognized as an Official Sponsor of the Visionary Women Tea, supporting the event that celebrates women leaders advancing Alzheimer’s research, awareness, and caregiver support. While the acknowledgement during the program was subtle, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advocacy, community education, and helping families prepare for the complex legal and planning decisions that often accompany cognitive decline.
At the center of the afternoon’s celebration was Zina Paris, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, who was honored with the Judy Wunsch Heart of Service Award—a distinction recognizing individuals whose compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication have profoundly impacted families navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For those who know Paris and the work she has poured into the community, the honor felt not only appropriate but deeply meaningful.
For years, Paris has served as a steady and compassionate guide for families facing the emotional and practical challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. As the leader of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ Care Counseling team, she oversees essential services including the organization’s helpline, care consultations, support groups, and early-stage programs. These services serve as lifelines for thousands of families across Southern California who are searching for clarity, connection, and support during one of life’s most difficult journeys.
Her work reflects the spirit of the award she received—an award named for Judy Wunsch, a longtime advocate and champion for Alzheimer’s caregivers. The Heart of Service Award recognizes those who embody empathy, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
And in many ways, the recognition of Paris set the tone for the afternoon: a celebration not only of leadership, but of compassion.
A Celebration of Visionary Women
The event, part of Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ annual Visionary Women gathering, highlighted the extraordinary leadership of women who are advancing awareness, research, and support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
Three remarkable honorees were recognized for their contributions:
• Dr. Helena Chui, recipient of the Connie Lee Keiter Breaking Boundaries Award, honored for her groundbreaking work in neurology and dementia research.
• Gina Garcia Gancedo, recipient of the Caring Hearts Award, recognized for her dedication as a caregiver advocate and community wellness leader.
• Zina Paris, recipient of the Judy Wunsch Heart of Service Award, for her extraordinary leadership supporting caregivers and families navigating Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Together, these honorees represent the many ways women are shaping the future of Alzheimer’s care—from research laboratories to caregiving communities.
Their work also highlights an important reality: women are deeply connected to this issue in multiple ways—as researchers, healthcare professionals, advocates, caregivers, and individuals navigating their own brain health journeys.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Women
During Women’s History Month, conversations about Alzheimer’s naturally highlight how closely women are connected to this disease—not only through leadership, but also through lived experience.
In the United States today, nearly two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women. Of the more than 6.9 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, approximately 4.2 million are women, compared to about 2.7 million men.
Women also play a critical role as caregivers. Nationally, about 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women, many of whom balance careers, families, and caregiving responsibilities with extraordinary resilience.
Researchers believe several factors contribute to this higher prevalence. Women tend to live longer than men, and age remains the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Scientists are also continuing to explore how biological and hormonal changes—such as those that occur during menopause—may influence brain health over time. Additionally, certain genetic risk factors appear to affect women differently than men.
What these findings ultimately reinforce is the importance of continued research, awareness, and support systems that empower women and families with knowledge about brain health and early intervention.
And they underscore why the leadership of women within the Alzheimer’s movement is so vital.
Stories That Inspire Action
Throughout the afternoon, the most powerful moments came not only from the awards themselves, but from the stories shared by caregivers and families.
Behind every statistic lies a deeply personal journey.
A spouse learning how to adjust to memory loss.
A daughter helping her mother through the early stages of cognitive decline.
A caregiver seeking guidance while trying to hold their family together.
For many of these families, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles becomes an essential resource—providing education, culturally responsive services, counseling, and support groups that ensure no one has to face the disease alone.
The programs led by leaders like Zina Paris help families transform confusion into understanding and isolation into connection.
Looking Toward the Future
While the afternoon celebrated achievements, it also served as a reminder that the fight against Alzheimer’s is far from over.
With Alzheimer’s cases projected to rise dramatically as the population ages, the need for awareness, research, and caregiver support continues to grow.
But the energy and commitment displayed throughout the Visionary Women Tea made one thing clear: the future of the movement is strong.
With visionary women leading the way, compassionate advocates stepping forward, and community partners strengthening engagement and awareness, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles continues to build momentum in the fight against dementia.
An Afternoon That Reflected the Best of Los Angeles
As the gathering concluded, attendees left with renewed inspiration and purpose.
The recognition of leaders like Zina Paris served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with service.
During Women’s History Month, her recognition—and the recognition of so many extraordinary women—highlighted a simple but powerful truth:
When women lead with compassion, communities grow stronger.
And in Los Angeles, that leadership is helping shape a future where families facing Alzheimer’s disease are met with knowledge, support, and hope.
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