Probing The Realities of Big Data In Alzheimer's

This blog post was originally published by the Huffington Post. - Trish Still Alice, the film with Academy-award winning actress Julianne Moore, powerfully depicts a woman's steep descent into Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and demonstrates why people overwhelmingly cite Alzheimer's as the disease they most fear. There is currently no effective treatment for AD. For individuals, an Alzheimer's diagnosis is the beginning of a dark, inevitable journey to a place where our connection to ourselves and the world slowly fades away. For governments, the spiraling global growth of the disease -- with nearly 150 million victims projected for 2050 -- threatens

The Real 'Still Alice' (Except This One Wears Trousers)

In 2009, at the age of 59, Greg O'Brien was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. It wasn't surprising since his family was laced with the disease: his grandfather, his uncle and his mother had all succumbed to this merciless killer. Now it's Greg O'Brien's turn. But he isn't going to go down without a fight. An investigative reporter by profession, he began taking copious notes about his arduous trek into his mind, riddled with Alzheimer's. Thus began O'Brien's chronicle which resulted in his heartbreaking, defiant, profound book, On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's. "Words are the core of my life,"

Host a “Still Alice” Movie Night!

“Still Alice” is winning awards and critical acclaim for Julianne Moore’s moving portrayal of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The film’s popularity has great potential to raise awareness and understanding about Alzheimer’s—helping bring it out of the shadows, so more people understand its impact. You can help by organizing a movie night. It’s a powerful subject, so the idea of going with a group may encourage more people to see it. Here’s how to get started: Invite a group of family members and friends to go see the movie. Think about a mix of people who do and don’t

A Faith-filled Companion for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers

Rev. Dr. Angelica is a contributor to our interfaith book Seasons of Caring and a founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer's Clergy Network. - Trish Seasons of Caring: Meditations for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32) We caregivers can no longer avoid the truth: Caring for someone who is diminishing from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia will be a challenging, life-changing experience. As the Gospel of John tells us, knowing this truth will set us free – free to ask for and receive vital help. Family caregivers need not

If It Could Happen To Robin Williams…

This post originally appeared in the Alzheimer's Reading Room. - Trish It was 1978. I had just settled down to catch an episode of “Happy Days,” a funny, sweet TV show – a good escape. In the episode, The Fonz (Henry Winkler) heard a knock at the Cunningham’s front door. Outside stood Mork from Ork – Robin Williams in his first role. Mork was an endless barrage of jokes, pratfalls, catch-‘em-if-you-can rejoinders. You could get whiplash trying to keep up. He left me breathless just trying. My husband, who was working late that night, called just after the program ended