Much like the Children's Miracle Network Telethon raises money and awareness for muscular distrophy, HBO is hoping that their innovative program running through May will raise awareness for Alzheimer's. As the Baby Boomers age, this is becoming one of the key diseases they're facing, as are their children and extended families. Starting May 10 and running through the month, HBO is offering four documentaries, 15 short films, a community outreach program and even a book. Details for all of these can be found at "The Alzheimer's Project" website.This is a great initiative, as Alzheimer's is one of those odd diseases that a lot of people don't really think about until it impacts them. My grandmother always told us that she didn't really care how she died. The only thing she didn't want was to lose her mind. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's struck in her latter 80s; it is not a pretty thing. Scientists are hopeful of a cure, but as with MS and other illnesses, awareness and funding are essential. This is a great move by HBO to use the power of their brand and network to push the issue to the forefront.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-04-2009 @ 8:48AM
Lorie said...
Kudos to HBO on putting a spotlight on this disease!
My grandmother has Alzheimer's and I HATE it with all my might. I wouldn't wish this disease on my worst enemy. Like you said, since the baby boomers are starting to enter their golden years, the stats are only going to get worse.
I highly recommend everyone to watch these documentaries. I know I will (with a box of Kleenex sitting right next to me).
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5-05-2009 @ 8:31PM
Karen94133 said...
I had a chance to see a pre-screening of the HBO special, and it was great. The segment that I saw showed why clinical studies are so important. Current Alzheimer's therapies treat the symptoms associated with the disease, not the disease itself. There is a new study that explores if Bapineuzumab (Bapi), an investigational drug mentioned in the HBO special, can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s can visit www.icarastudy.com to see if they might be eligible to enroll.
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6-26-2009 @ 7:46PM
JK said...
How ironic that they're using a significant cause of Alzheimer's in an attempt to help. According to Dr Robert Friedland's report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:
"Television is the only mid-life recreation positively linked to developing Alzheimer's disease. . . . A lot of studies in the past have shown an association between physical and mental activity and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's
"When you watch TV, you can be in a semi-conscious state where you really are not doing any learning."
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