When did you begin to suspect your loved one might have a memory issue?
Twenty years ago, I started to suspect my grandma’s memory was slipping when she began retelling the same stories. I know we're all a little guilty of repeating our favorite stories, but this was, well, different.
Was this a normal part of aging or something else?
I didn't know it then, but my grandma had Alzheimer's Disease.
As I began to research how my grandma’s mind was changing, I was startled to discovery how difficult it was to find current, reliable information. I knew there was research happening, but I didn’t know where to find it.
To consolidate that information and make it accessible to busy caregivers, the Alzheimer’s Association has created a new website called the Alzheimer’s Association Research Center.
The site acts as a filter, pulling in news and research and presenting it in a way that’s useful to the busy caregiver. Here’s a little bit from the Association on how and why it developed the site:
"As I travel the country and talk to people whose families are affected by Alzheimer's disease, and as I read my daily e-mails, it is strikingly apparent that a wide range of people are genuinely interested in learning about what's happening in Alzheimer's science and when the next breakthroughs are going to come," said Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association is exploring innovative ways to advance research and also to engage and educate all kinds of people. This new website is an extension of this ever-expanding effort."
The innovative website seamlessly combines rich visuals with easy-to-understand content on a broad array of topics including:
- What Alzheimer's is, and how the disease progresses.
- Advances in treatments, diagnosis and prevention.
- How to volunteer for Alzheimer's clinical trials.
- Updates on key local, national and global research initiatives.
Important concepts about Alzheimer's the disease are explained and illustrated. Leading scientists are profiled. All of this and more is found at the "Research Center" in an easy-to-navigate presentation that enables users to quickly discover and connect with the information that matters most to them. Regular updates will include new information, interviews, graphics, and videos.
"Research is the most critical aspect of solving the Alzheimer crisis. This is why it is vital to have a place where people can go to find out about the latest Alzheimer research," Geiger said. "We listened to our constituents who said they wanted to know, learn and understand more. We hope this site serves as a catalyst for deeper understanding about Alzheimer research and a long-term dialogue with the public that encourages hope and engages them in the Alzheimer's cause."
Thanks to the Alzheimer's Association for creating this resource. I know my family and our clients will use it often.
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