Denis Cole, a Miami Beach resident for twenty-three years, is a passionate philanthropist and successful pharmaceutical executive. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Denis moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a teenager and felt so connected to the region that he aimed to pursue a career in South America later in life. After returning to the UK to obtain his degree in economics, Denis achieved that goal and held progressively responsible positions at both Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline within the finance sector in Latin America, North America, and Asia for a total of thirty-three years. Denis now serves as the treasurer of his condominium association and continues to focus on high-quality health care and medical research through his philanthropic work at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The Gift

In alignment with Denis’ goal for increased research efforts for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, he contributed to the Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders in 2016. His generous gift initially supported the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s study and the A5 study, both of which aimed to advanced prevention and treatment for Alzheimer’s, and more recently, the Wien Center made strides utilizing PET scans to analyze amyloid protein plaque buildup, which can be an indicator of the disease. “Mount Sinai’s Wien Center allows for a brighter future for these patients,” Denis says. “There is an acute need for increased research and resources for prevention and treatment, and I believe that supporting Mount Sinai provides world-class care in both of these areas.” Additionally, Denis’ donation continues to support increased capacity, free memory screenings, and critical staff expansion for the Wien Center, providing a positive health care experience for patients and their families as they navigate Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Motivating Mission

Denis believes philanthropy is about making a lasting impact on the community. “Through philanthropy, we can drive meaningful changes that benefit future generations affected by this disease,” Denis says. “It’s about fostering communities of support, connecting individuals and families with researchers and each other, and easing the isolation often felt by those impacted.” Through Denis’ work with the Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, South Floridians now have increased access to clinical trials, free screenings, and expert health care. “Knowing that my contribution can be a part of this positive change gives me a profound sense of purpose and hope,” Denis says.