My Friend Greg O' Brien, Diagnosed With Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease

 He shares strategies for LIVING with Alzheimer's disease. This video is easy for kids to understand. 

I met Greg O'Brien at the National Alzheimer's Summit and I think he is just amazing. Tune into this funny and inspiring and optimistic interview with Dr. Lisa Genova! His book On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's speaks of faith, humor and hope from his perspective. 

I think tweens and teens would find this book so incredibly helpful! He gives suggestions about how to live with the disease. I would have loved to have read this book a few years ago. 

 hohttps://youtu.be/7u_i-FXlZzY

There is now an incredible documentary about him called, "Have You Heard About Greg". Here is a trailer link: https://www.hyhag.com

Brushing Hair

 Brushing hair and styling hair is a great way to care for a loved one. It brings such joy. This ER nurse is amazing.

https://fb.watch/agP_c_SMX8/

The Problem of Alzheimer's by Jason Karlawish

 I was introduced to Alzheimer's at the age of 4 when I became a caregiver to my grandmother who had Alzheimer's disease. This book is a must-read. Thank you Lynda Everman for bringing it to my attention.

2021 Alzheimer's Association Report: Race Ethnicity and Alzheimer's Disease

 

The 2021 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report: Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America. The statistics are upsetting. There is a huge disparity and sometimes even discrimination and bias in the care of Alzheimer's patients.

 By 2050 there will likely be 12.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. There are 3 types of disparities: HEALTH -black,indigenous people of color (BIPOC)are MORE likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases; and they are less likely to be recruited and used for research and clinical trials, HEALTH CARE - is not adequate for BIPOC, and there is bias and sometimes discrimination.

 BIAS - language and cultural bias exists in the care of Alzheimer's patients There are SOLUTIONS to the problems that exist. 1) Awareness amongst healthcare providers - they should evaluate and consider a diagnosis and treatment plan for minority groups. 2) Diversity in Alzheimer's care - institutions that house Alzheimer's patients should be diversified providing resources and tools for care for all. 3) Diversity of the participants in clinical and research trials.

Click below for the full article

://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf

The Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's Spotlight

 

Cure Alzheimer's Fund

I am hoping for a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Or at least preventative measures that could really make a big impact.  I donated part of my Prudential Spirit of Community National Honoree Award money to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.

Here are some facts:

They support breakthroughs in the field like the Alzheimer's Genome Project 

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• Cure Alzheimer's Fund - Hailey Richman
• All donations go directly to fund research leading to a cure
• They encourage scientists to pursue unusual ideas and take bold risks
• They are funding some of the world's leading researcher