DENISE VAN TASSELL IS THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND PARTNER OF ALCOEUR GARDENS. DENISE STARTED OUT AS A REGISTERED NURSE WHO CARED FOR ALZHEIMER PATIENTS DURING THE DAYS OF LITTLE TREATMENT AND CONFINEMENT. TODAY ALCOEUR GARDENS OFFERS A DIGNIFIED ENVIRONMENT FOR ALZHEIMER PATIENTS. THERE ARE FOUR FAMILY OWNED LOCATIONS, OCEAN, MATAWAN, BRICK AND TOMS RIVER WITH 16 PRIVATE BEDROOMS. ALZHEIMERS IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF DEMENTIA WHICH IS A LOSS OF MEMORY AND OTHER INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES. ONE EXAMPLE OF NORMAL FORGETFULNESS IS PUTTING YOUR CAR KEYS AND CELL PHONE IN THE REFRIGERATOR. SOMEONE WITH ALZHEIMERS WILL BE CONFUSED ON WHICH IS THE PHONE AND WHICH ARE THE KEYS. ALZHEIMERS IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING, INCREASES WITH PEOPLE OVER 65 BUT CAN APPEAR IN THE 40'S AND 50'S.