Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Alzheimer's Project on HBO

HBO aired a  4-part documentary on May 10th, 2009 on Alzheimer's Disease.  The Alzheimer's Project was made in association with the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health and the  Alzheimer's Association.  The documentary also features Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, as her father is living with Alzheimer's Disease (she also is exec-producer).  

There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), although the documentary sheds light on recent research findings and breakthroughs about this devastating disease.  Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly deteriorates memory, judgement, the ability to carry out daily activities, and produces personality changes.  The risk for developing AD doubles every 5 years after the age of 65 and nearly 50% of people have the disease by the age of 85.  After cancer, it is the most feared disease.

During the time I was obtaining my Master's degree, I was working with the great team at the University of Kansas on both the research and clinical side of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.  Information about them and research projects can be found here:

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