The Rhode Island Wave

Spotlight Interview: Dr. Megan Riddle on Alzheimer's Prevention and the APT Webstudy
Worried about your memory as you get older? In this Spotlight interview from the Rhode Island Wave, Dr. Megan Riddle, MD, Associate Director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, explains how anyone over 50 can take simple, proactive steps to track their brain health—from the comfort of home. If you've ever wanted to understand your memory better and contribute to vital Alzheimer's research, this conversation is for you.
Dr. Riddle shares why early detection of memory loss matters now more than ever. With roughly 7.2 million Americans over 65 living with Alzheimer's disease—a number expected to nearly double by 2050—continued research and early assessment are critical to unlocking access to care and treatment.
At the heart of this discussion is the Alzheimer's Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy, a no-cost online study open to individuals 50 and older. In this interview, you'll learn:
• WHAT THE APT WEBSTUDY IS — a free, web-based study you can complete from your computer, phone, or tablet
• HOW IT WORKS — short online memory and thinking tests taken periodically, with a personal report after each one
• WHO CAN PARTICIPATE — anyone over 50 with internet access
• WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS — and how catching cognitive change early opens the door to more options
• WHAT COMES NEXT — including potential invitations to additional research, such as blood-based biomarker screening and clinical trials like the Alzheimer's Tau Platform (ATP)
Dr. Riddle, who trained in Nashville, Tennessee and has spent 15 years in this field, brings warmth and clarity to a topic that affects millions of families. Whether you're curious about your own memory or want to share this resource with a loved one, the APT Webstudy makes it easy to stay informed and involved.
Ready to take charge of your brain health? Sign up for the free APT Webstudy today at https://www.aptwebstudy.org/ and start tracking your memory in just 20 minutes every few months.
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Dave Antonelli – Rhode Island Realtor, Diecast Collector & Community Builder | Spotlight Interview
Whether you're a first-time home buyer in Rhode Island or a seasoned investor, finding the right realtor can make all the difference. In this Rhode Island Wave Spotlight Interview, host Deana sits down with David Antonelli—Rhode Island realtor, Army veteran, and passionate diecast car collector—to talk all things real estate, community, and the hobby that keeps him going outside of work.
ABOUT DAVE ANTONELLI
Dave is a licensed realtor and broker with the Slocum Home Team under EXP Realty—one of Rhode Island's most established real estate teams with over 76 years in the business. With a background in contracting, auditing, and military service, Dave brings a uniquely detail-oriented approach to every transaction. He doesn't just help clients buy and sell homes—he helps them navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with clarity and confidence.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
Why Dave's contractor background gives his clients a hidden edge when evaluating a home's true condition
How the Slocum Home Team supports buyers and sellers from start to finish
The importance of working with a trusted network of professionals, including mortgage brokers and real estate attorneys
How Dave works with out-of-state buyers, first-time buyers, and clients in unique life situations
Details on the annual Diecast Jam event—and why it's about more than just toy cars
THE DIECAST JAM
Outside of real estate, Dave is the driving force behind the annual Diecast Jam, a beloved Rhode Island event hosted at the McCall YMCA in Lincoln. Now in its 11th year, the event features over 75 tables, 60+ vendors, diecast cars ranging from micro machines to highly detailed 1/6-scale models, raffles, a live Facebook auction, and charitable fundraising for A Wish Come True and Operation Spandown. This year's event takes place July 25th and 26th, 9AM–3PM, with an early bird entry option available at 8AM for $5.
Dave is also involved with the Lincoln Johnny Lightning Race Club (LJLRC), which holds monthly gravity diecast races open to all ages on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Rhode Island—or just want to geek out over diecast cars—Dave Antonelli is your guy.
CONNECT WITH DAVE
Website: https://myriagent.com/
Lincoln Johnny Lightning Race Club: https://www.ljlrc.com/

Rhode Island Wave Spotlight: Joanne Giannini | June 16, 2026
Joanne Giannini sits down with host Deana for the latest edition of the Rhode Island Wave's Spotlight interview series, covering everything from the newly signed state budget to the World Cup buzz in Providence.

State Budget Signed Into Law
• Millionaires Tax: A 1% annual income tax surcharge on earnings over $1 million (the governor originally proposed 3%). Joanne expressed reservations, noting that similar measures in other states have led high earners to relocate—and that Rhode Island could face the same risk.
• Child Tax Credit: A new $330 refundable tax credit per child.
• Social Security Relief: Expected to benefit approximately 9,200 early retirees.
• Education Aid: Increased funding to meet growing demands across the school system.
• Inspector General: A new office empowered to investigate any branch of government—except the General Assembly itself, which drew some criticism.
• Higher Ed Bond: $275 million in new funding.
• Medicaid Relief: Much-needed support for doctors and hospitals struggling under current Medicaid reimbursement rates.

World Cup Comes to Providence

4th of July: America's 250th
Local events to look forward to include:
• Bristol 4th of July Parade: The oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in America. Free concerts in the park begin June 21st, running nightly through July 3rd, with a carnival, parade, and fireworks on the 4th. (A full event listing ran in the June issue of The Wave.)
• State House Festivities: A WaterFire at Water Place Park and the State House steps, featuring the Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Newport Harbor Island Resort: A 4th of July cookout and fireworks event on Goat Island.
• Rogue Island (Weybosset Street): A special holiday lunch, BBQ, and WaterFire starting at 10 p.m.
• Watch Hill: Independence Day dining at Veranda Roth.
• Providence Artisan Market: Over 300 local artists and food trucks at Lippitt Memorial Park on Hope Street, starting at 9 a.m. Free admission.
• Narragansett Beach: A July 3rd outdoor concert featuring an orchestra and a state beach party

Avian Flu Outbreak

A Tragic Drowning

Negative Political Ads: A Call for Better Campaigning

Federal Hill Motorcycle Incident

Real Housewives of Rhode Island: Season Finale

Joanne Giannini and Deana will be back in a few weeks with more Spotlight coverage. Until then, enjoy the summer, Rhode Island.