News Summary
Neena Rahman, a caregiver for her husband diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, gains strength from attending art classes at San Diego Oasis. As she navigates the complexities of caregiving, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal well-being. Through participation in art journaling and other activities, Neena not only supports her husband, Tariq but also finds moments of joy and healing in her routine.
San Diego – Neena Rahman, a 59-year-old caregiver from Bangladesh, finds solace in art classes at San Diego Oasis in Rancho Bernardo. This program has become a vital part of her routine as she navigates the challenges of caring for her husband, Tariq, who is 70 and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease for the past four years. While Tariq’s condition continues to progress, Neena’s commitment to her own well-being has made her participation in the Oasis programs essential.
Neena became aware of her husband’s signs of Alzheimer’s during a family Thanksgiving trip. This experience highlighted the need for her involvement in his care, which encompasses managing his daily routine, medication coordination, and accompanying him to necessary appointments. Tariq, who once had a successful career as a principal engineer at San Diego Gas & Electric, now relies heavily on Neena for support. In a bid to ensure his safety, she monitors his activities, including tracking his walks through mobile technology, and keeps car keys out of his reach to prevent unsafe driving attempts.
The couple’s journey began in Bangladesh, where Neena worked in finance with the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) for a decade. After suffering from a rare neuroimmune disease that temporarily paralyzed her from the waist down, Neena met Tariq, her second cousin, during her recovery. They married in 2000 and eventually relocated to San Diego in 2003. Neena has always had a passion for the arts, volunteering in her son Faizan’s school as an “art” parent and serving on the school foundation board responsible for supporting arts and music programs.
While their son Faizan, now 23, recently graduated with an engineering degree and works from home, Neena has found her footing attending Oasis programs more frequently, especially enjoying art journaling classes that incorporate meditation. These sessions have not only provided her with creative outlets but also emphasized the importance of self-care—an essential aspect highlighted by a social worker at Tariq’s memory clinic.
San Diego Oasis is home to over 58,900 members, primarily offering programs for individuals over the age of 50. These programs range from free to $25 and include activities such as cardio drumming and iPhone fundamentals. The organization operates on an annual budget of $3.3 million with support from numerous volunteers, making it accessible for seniors to stay mentally and physically engaged.
According to an Alzheimer’s Association report from 2025, the number of Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease has surpassed 7 million, marking the highest recorded figure to date. San Diego, with notably elevated rates of Alzheimer’s diagnoses compared to other areas, owes this prevalence to local healthcare factors. The University of California, San Diego, is recognized for its leading NIH-funded neuroscience department, contributing significantly to Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials. Recent advancements in diagnostics have included FDA clearance for the first blood test specifically for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.
Neena’s experiences illustrate the stark realities of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s while also emphasizing the importance of mental health maintenance. Through her involvement in art, she has learned to cherish the small joys amidst the considerable challenges that accompany her husband’s condition. Neena recognizes that finding moments of happiness—not just for herself but also for Tariq—is vital during this arduous journey, as their lives together continue to evolve in the face of Alzheimer’s.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rising Sexual Assault Cases in San Diego County Prompt Concern
San Diego Launches Pilot Program for NeuroDance Therapy
Detention of Hotel Employee Raises Concerns in San Diego
New FDA Guidelines Restrict COVID-19 Vaccine Access
Twenty-Two Injured in Local Incident, Including Four Children
Doctoral Candidate Charged in Infant’s Homicide Case
Sherri Papini Faces Custody Battle Over Children
Additional Resources
- Axios: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Federal Funding Risk UC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
- NBC San Diego: Alzheimer’s San Diego Federal Cuts
- Google Search: Alzheimer’s Disease
- Times of San Diego: Alzheimer’s Research at University of California
- Google Scholar: Alzheimer’s Disease Research
- Science Daily: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alzheimer’s Disease
- PR Newswire: Circular Genomics and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Google News: Alzheimer’s Research 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
