ALBANY, N.Y. -- Emily Tou and Rose Ann Rogers have developed quite the friendship over the last four years. Even though they're separated by decades, they still have a lot in common. 

“We both like to eat. She taught me how to cook, taught me how to make a pizza, actually,” Tou said.

This unusual friendship started in 2014. Tou was a first-year student at Albany Medical College, where she signed up for a service learning program called Generations Together. The program pairs medical students with Alzheimer's patients, which is how she was introduced to Rogers.

“It’s a nice time for her to get away from school and just socialize with the older people,” Rogers said.

Tou picked this program because her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's while she was in college. She says Generations Together has helped her better understand this disease.

Generations Together is now in its fifth year. This year, there are nine medical students enrolled in the program. They meet up with their patients about once a month.

Monday night, the pairs reunited at a special dinner. 

“The students get to know the patients and their families and get to know how it is to have Alzheimer’s disease, and what it’s involved,” said Dr. Earl Zimmerman, the director of Alzheimer’s Center at Albany Medical Center.

Even though the program runs just a year, many stay in touch and continue their relationships, just like Tou and Rogers. In a few weeks, Tou will graduate and head to California for her residency program. But she promises to stay in contact. 

“I know she says she will, but they’re going to be busy, and even if she does a Christmas card once a year, that will satisfy me,” Rogers said.