Puzzles To Remember

From Caregiver to Creator: How a Childhood Moment Became a Global Alzheimer’s Initiative

2026-03-23T17:05:00.002-04:00

When I was four years old, I sat beside my grandmother solving puzzles, one of the few activities that still brought her joy as Alzheimer’s changed her world. In those moments, I saw something I would only later understand. Even as memory faded, connection remained. I became involved in Puzzles to Remember and grew into the role of CEO, expanding its reach to thousands of memory care communities, globally. Through this work, I focused on how simple tools like puzzles can support emotional engagement and dignity in Alzheimer’s care. Now, that journey has come full circle.

Springbok Puzzles,collaborated with us to further develop and share our vision. The photo on the packaging is of me at age four with my grandmother, doing exactly what started it all. This experience reminded me that innovation is not always about starting something new. It is about recognizing what works, building on it, and bringing it to more people. And for me, it all started with a puzzle, and the love I had for my grandma.

🧠 What Your Sense of Smell Can Tell Us About Alzheimer’s (And Why That’s Kind of Amazing)

2026-03-23T14:38:00.006-04:00

The olfactory system connects directly to memory and emotion centers in the brain, making it a potential early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. A new Nature Communications study found that cells in the nose show early signs of Alzheimer’s, even in people without symptoms. Researchers observed inflammation and immune activity, suggesting changes begin long before memory loss appears. This means the sense of smell may offer a simple way to study early brain changes. Why this matters to me This connects to my research presented at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, where my project received a 3rd Place Grand Award. In my study, I found that smell based sensory stimulation improved emotional engagement in Alzheimer’s patients. This research helps explain why. Final thought If Alzheimer’s begins in ways we cannot see, but might be able to smell, it changes how we think about detection and care. Sometimes the most overlooked senses hold the most important answers. Source D’Anniballe VM, Kim S, Finlay JB, Wang M, Ko T, Luo S, Whitson HE, Johnson KG, Goldstein BJ (2026). Olfactory cleft biopsy analysis of Alzheimer’s disease pathobiology across disease stages. Nature Communications, 17:2245.

Exciting News!

2025-05-27T15:21:00.002-04:00

Exciting News! I’m incredibly honored to share that I have been named a 3rd Place Grand Award Winner at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) My project, “Using a Multimodal Approach of Aromatherapy and Jigsaw Puzzles to Improve the Emotional Well-Being of Geriatric Patients Living with Alzheimer’s Disease,” explored non-pharmaceutical interventions to enhance emotional states in memory care settings. Grateful to Society for Science, Regeneron, Dr. Serena McCalla who gave me an opportunity to showcase my findings and empowering me. I appreciate my mentor, Raymond Tesar for continuous encouragement and guidance with my research. Thankful to the communities that I work with through Kid Caregivers and Puzzles to Remember for their ongoing support. Sharing my work at ISEF alongside international peers committed to solving real-world problems strengthened my passion for using science to drive social impact.

How To Volunteer For Kid Caregivers/Puzzles To Remember

2025-05-12T12:20:00.001-04:00

Every day I encounter young people that want to make a difference! If you would like to volunteer for our organization there are several options! 1. Set up a Puzzle Drive - Put large cardboard boxes in banks, libraries, office lobbies, schools, houses of worship, civic organizations, etc. Attach our flyer and request puzzle donations. Bring the puzzles to local memory care facilities! 2. Participate in Puzzle Time! Recruit 3-4 volunteers/friends and solve jigsaw puzzles for an hour, in a memory care facility in your area. We will provide the specialized jigsaw puzzles and help locate a facility. Visit the facility on a weekly/bi-weekly or monthly schedule. It is very rewarding! 3. Use social media to solicit donations of specialized therapeutic Alzheimer's puzzles (Springbok Puzzles To Remember puzzles). Bring the puzzles to memory care facilities/nursing homes/assisted living facilities. 4. Volunteer as a Peer Mentor to provide support for younger caregiving children 5. Become a youth Puzzle Ambassador - Recruit middle and high school students to participate in Puzzle Drives/Puzzle Time. Contact guidance counselors/administrators in local schools. (We have Puzzle Ambassadors in all 50 states and globally who can assist you!) 6. Become a Social Media Ambassador! We need to raise awareness on our websites/blogs. Run youth-led campaigns such as #caregivingstrong

WE CAN AWARD COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AND PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDALS!

Kid Caregivers: A Manual for Kids About Alzheimer's Disease

2025-04-24T11:47:00.002-04:00

Since the age of 5, I have been a caregiver to my grandmother, who battled Alzheimer's disease. In the United States, 1.8 million young people are also taking on caregiving roles. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into managing the challenges of this disease from a young age. Exciting news! My upcoming book, Kid Caregivers: A Manual for Kids About Alzheimer's Disease, will be released in July. This photo essay captures our journey and how we coped together. I aim for it to serve as a source of support for other young individuals facing similar circumstances.

Special Awards and Achievements!

2025-02-24T16:37:00.043-05:00

I have worked very hard on my research project using a nonpharmacological approach to improving mood and behavior for people living with Alzhiemer's disease. I would like to share these accomplisments: The American Psychological Association Award for achievement in research in psychological science at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) Finalist - Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) Issued by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Society for Science - March 2025 ISEF Finalist after winning first place at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) First Place in Behavioral Science - New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) ISEF Issued by New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) ISEF - March 2025 Top scorer in Behavioral and Social Sciences Catergory; competed against other projects in New York State I will be competing in Columbus, Ohio with international students! Very excited!

The Power of Children Award - Children's Museum of Indianapolis

2025-01-23T09:33:00.004-05:00

In 2021, I received an amazing honor. I received the Power of Children Award from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. I shared the national honor with 6 other youth members who have acted as social impact leaders. There is a permanent exhibit at the museum featuring the young people who have received the award. We hope it inspires children and encourages them to make a difference in the world!

Stay For A Little While

2025-01-18T09:50:00.006-05:00

David White and Bakhus Saba featured me and grandma in this video in 2016. It shows the beneficial effects of young people staying connected with their loved ones. Love always remains.

Good Morning America

2024-12-12T09:03:00.003-05:00

This picture popped up on my Google photo memories today. I was only 9 year old, but it was the start of my journey serving the Alzheimer's community. It was amazing meeting the other two social impact leaders, Brandon and Katie! Will Smith was very kind and mentioned how Alzheimer's disease impacted his life as well!

How Puzzle Time Began

2024-11-20T10:23:00.002-05:00

How Puzzle Time Began...

2024-11-20T10:22:00.001-05:00

Puzzle Time is our national and global intergenerational program. It pairs students and Girl Scouts with people living with Alzheimer's disease for an hour of shared jigsaw puzzle solving. The youth volunteers receive community service hours and awards, and a rare sense of accomplishment occurs for the senior! Scientific research shows that solvling jigsaw puzzles may improve mood and memory!

Our Brazilian Volunteers! Thank you so much!

2024-11-20T09:51:00.003-05:00

YSA Global Youth Service Day - Puzzle Distribution Day

2024-04-28T17:33:00.022-04:00

I received a grant from generous sponsors: Hershey, Charles Steward Mott Foundation, Allstate and the Sodexo Foundation. We had a great day Puzzle Distribution Day at Plainview high school. It included over 100 student volunteers who collected and distributed jigsaw puzzles for memory care facilities to benefit people living with Alzheimer's disease. The youth volunteers are also planning to participate in Puzzle Time our global program pairing young peopole and residents living with Alzheimer's disease for an hour of shared jigsaw puzzle solving!

Diana Legacy Award

2024-04-12T09:48:00.004-04:00

It was such an honor to receive the Diana Legacy Award! I had to fortune to meet His Royal Highness, Prince William, and Prince Harry via Zoom. It warms my heart that the plight of Alzheimer's disease and the toll it takes on young people is receiving worldwide recognition. We are thrilled that the beneficial effects of jigsaw-puzzle solving is becoming more widely known. Our goal of having therapeutic Alzheimer's puzzles spanning the globe has become a reality. To read a current article about the Diana Legacy Award click here:

Krisha Kothari - Our Puzzle Ambassador For India

2024-01-08T12:03:00.004-05:00

Krisha traveled from the United States to India. She brought many many jigsaw puzzles to facilities caring for Alzheimer's patients. We are so grateful to her for serving as our Puzzle Ambassador for India!

Vision Loss and Dementia

2023-10-11T09:02:00.003-04:00

2023-06-09T12:27:00.002-04:00

Happy to appear in The Week Junior! My goal of continuing to benefit the Alzheimer's community is a passionate one! A simple puzzle can help bring a sense of accomplishment to people struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Shared jigsaw puzzle solving is a wonderful activity for both caregivers and the loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. If you would like to volunteer for our organization or donate puzzles please email me at puzzles2remember@gmail.com #puzzletime #endalz

Marvel Hero Project: Here Comes Hailey

2023-05-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

Being Part of the Marvel Hero Project was a life changing experience. It warmed my heart to know that I could share with many people our Puzzle Time program and also my experiences with Grandma. Disney+ is removing the Marvel Hero Project today. So please check it out if you get a chance!

Alzheimer's Stamp

2023-04-23T14:43:00.001-04:00

Got #AlzheimersStamps? If not, you can order them online at The Postal Store® and help raise funds for #NIH funded #dementia #research: https://store.usps.com/.../buy-stamps/alzheimers-S_564204.

The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

2023-04-21T08:21:00.003-04:00

Preclinical - the person has no symptoms but the beta amyloid plaques are still present, and biomarkers are discovered. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - Grandma had this stage for a while. The person is forgetful but it is not enough to greatly interfere with their life. Sometimes it is even hard to determine if it is normal aging or a very very early stage of the disease. Mild Dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease - trouble remembering things they just learned Moderate Dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease - confusion takes over Severe Dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease - loss of ability to communicate. WHAT IS NOT LOST? THE ABILITY TO LOVE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER THROUGH ALL STAGES. Do not forget that we can still kiss our family member, hold our family member and love them deeply! Please always know that you are not alone! There are a lot of us out there!

Thank You Jake Guttman - Our Long Island Puzzle Ambassador!

2023-01-19T10:25:00.004-05:00

Jake Guttman, age, 16, has been delivering puzzles on behalf of PuzzlesToRemember since he was 13. He serves as our Long Island Ambassador. Jake is involved in Alzheimer's awareness and advocacy on many fronts. He has presented PowerPoint presentations in his high school to explain the disease, and was invited to present on behalf of the National Science Honor Society (in which his has exceled from the start of High School!) He collects and distributes jigsaw puzzles to memory care facilities and has also fundraised for our organization requesting banks to sponsor our organization. In his spare time his enjoys coding and is a Hugh O'Brien Youth Leader! We are so grateful for all of your efforts Jake!

Thank you to our Massachusetts Puzzle Ambassador - LILY MINKOFF!

2023-01-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

Lily Minkoff, age 17, has been delivering puzzles on behalf of PuzzlesToRemember since she was 11 years old. She serves as our Massachusetts Ambassador. Lily is also an award-winning ice skater who also donates her time teaching ice skating to students with disabilities. She is also an accomplished saxophone player. Lily’s great grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease, so, at a young age, Lily became involved in distributing puzzles to help those with dementia. Lily recently received a large donation of puzzles from Ceaco Puzzles in Newton MA. She plans to deliver them to nursing facilities today and over the next few weeks in honor of Martin Luther King’s birthday. Thank you, Lily! You are making a big difference in the lives of many of our seniors!

Thank you CEACO Corporation!

2023-01-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

We are extremely grateful to the CEACO Puzzle Corporation for their generosity throughout the years! We are especially thrilled about their donation of 200 puzzles for our huge Martin Luther King Jr. PUZZLE DISTRIBUTION DAY!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend

2023-01-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others'"? -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Every year we honor Dr. King's memory by doing good deeds on that weekend. We will have our PUZZLE AMBASSADORS bringing puzzles to facilities for people living with Alzheimer's disease, we will be solving puzzles with residents at facilities and spending time there. We are planning to supply over 3000 puzzles to underserved and diverse communities who are in need of recreational activities to provide stimulation and hopefully slow the progression of the disease. Here are some shocking statistics that we need to be aware of: Age-specific prevalence of dementia has been found to be 14% to 100% higher in African- Americans. (While the rates vary among studies, three out of four report these higher prevalence rates.) The cumulative risk of dementia among first- degree relatives of African-Americans who have Alzheimer's disease is 43.7%. Approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer's or another dementia. At some point my parents would like to have their garage again. But for now, it will be filled completely with jigsaw puzzles for people living with Alzheimer's dise

Halloween Candy for Veterans

2022-11-11T12:14:00.004-05:00

On Veterans Day I always visit the Veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) center in my neighborhood with a huge group of student volunteers and Girl Scouts. We all bring our left over candy from Halloween. It will be given to Veterans in the US and overseas. We also collaborate with Veterans who volunteer for our organization, on that day! It is such a HUGE honor to have milatary veterans volunteerinf for Puzzles To Remember. The Veterans help us distribute puzzles to memory care facilties who have residents with Alzheimer's disease.