What did you think of HBO’s “The Alzheimer’s Project”?

First off, I hope all the Marbles-loving moms out there had a fantastic Mother’s Day!

Last night I watched the first of four documentaries in “The Alzheimer’s Project” on HBO, which we mentioned in our May newsletter. The series focuses on research and discoveries made to further the study of Alzheimer’s disease. HBO promises that, “while there is no cure for the disease, ‘The Alzheimer’s Project’ shows there is now genuine reason to be optimistic about the future.” The show’s web site states that 54% of the population has been touched by Alzheimer’s, and the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow from 5 million to 11 million by 2040 as the Baby Boomers age. Thus it is a particularly pertinent time to focus on Alzheimer’s and the search for a cure.

Last night’s “The Memory Loss Tapes,” told the stories of seven individuals in different stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The directors did an excellent job but I have to admit it was very difficult to watch individuals further along in the disease progression and to see their frustrations and the challenges faced by caregivers. At the same time, I was inspired by the determination to remain independent, such as Bessie who states, “I never feel like I’m giving up” and the beautifully captured moments of simply enjoying a good hair wash.

For a further look into one of the heartfelt documented lives, you can follow Joseph’s blog, Living with Alzhiemer’s (please note the “i” and “e” are reversed).

The New York Times article, “HBO Puts Alzheimer’s Under the Microscope” provides a look into the making of “The Alzheimer’s Project.” For another opinion of the series, I recommend Alessandra Stanley’s review. As Ms. Stanley points out, this series makes it impossible not to worry about Alzheimer’s disease and your own risk. If you are concerned about preventing Alzheimer’s and are ready to do something about it, I recommend a proactive approach with products from our brain software section like The Brain Fitness Program from Posit Science.

The Brain Fitness Program has been tested in double blind clinical trials and is able to make the claim of 10 years of memory improvement from accelerating one’s auditory processing which naturally declines as you age. Recent studies also have shown promise for patients with pre-dementia condition known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s. We also have many more options at Marbles, so please contact us and we can help you find something right for you and/or your loved ones.

I would love to hear what you thought of last night’s show, especially any favorite moments.

~Lindsay