If you know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or have ever worried about getting this malady, which affects one out of eight people age 65 or older, I recommend HBO’s The Alzheimer’s Project. The Web site includes dozens of short videos about families coping with the ailment and scientists talking about the progress they are making in diagnosing and treating it. HBO is showing four full-length documentaries on consecutive evenings starting Sunday, May 10, at 9 p.m. EDT; the channel is unscrambling its signal just for these pieces so that even nonsubscribers can view them. Also on the Web site are areas where you can share your experiences and read about those of others, as well as links to helpful research and organizations.
This important project provides an up-to-date look at the challenges people with Alzheimer’s and their families face in their day-to-day lives. In addition, The Alzheimer’s Project shows hope on the horizon as we witness the pioneering work of 25 leading scientists and physicians (including some who are members of the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives) and get an inside view of their laboratories and clinics.
I applaud HBO for raising the public’s awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and also demonstrating how brain science is changing the way we live.
—Leticia Barnes
