The age of Alzheimer's is upon us. As the country’s 78 million baby boomers turn 65 -- the age when the disease significantly increases -- cases of Alzheimer's are expected to skyrocket. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 10 million -- one in eight -- boomers will develop the disease. Alzheimer's is a debilitating brain disorder that destroys memory, as well as the ability to speak and function. There is still no way to prevent or cure the disease and experts warn that unless progress is made soon, the coming explosion of cases may be the greatest health crisis facing the nation. Starting Oct. 17, 90.9 WBUR presents a week-long series of special reports:
Preparing For An Alzheimer’s ‘Tsunami’
BOSTON — We follow up on our recent Alzheimer’s series by examining the expected dramatic increase in the number of patient cases, and what preparation and planning is being done.
Your Thoughts On Alzheimer’s Disease
BOSTON — Your thoughts on our Alzheimer’s series, “Fade To Darkness.”
The Mental And Physical Toll Of Alzheimer’s Care
BOSTON — Most of the 5.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home and almost 15 million Americans provide this unpaid care. The intense, round-the-clock care takes an economic, medical and emotional toll on Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Tweeting Alzheimer’s: Sharing Her Mother’s Voice
BROCKTON, Mass. — There aren’t a lot of people like @maryagneskelley on Twitter. In the past few weeks, she has sent out tweets ranging from: “I love you!!!! Where am I?” to “Hallucinating~*.” Mary is 82 years old, lives in a nursing facility, and has Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill Would Create Mass. Office For Alzheimer’s Care
BOSTON — A bill pending in the Legislature would create a new state office to help coordinate, and direct people to, Alzheimer’s resources.
Video: Alzheimer’s Panel Discussion
In conjunction with our special week-long series, WBUR hosted an expert panel to discuss the future of Alzheimer’s funding, research and care.
Alzheimer’s Funding Lags Behind Other Diseases
BOSTON — Alzheimer’s kills more Americans each year than breast and prostate cancers combined. Yet the government spends far more research money on diseases like cancer and AIDS than it does on Alzheimer’s. Private funding for Alzheimer’s also lags behind.
Study: Late-Stage Dementia Patients ‘Slammed Around Health Care System’
BOSTON — A new study finds that dementia patients are often transferred between nursing homes and hospitals in the last days of their lives because of infections. Such hospitalizations are extremely difficult for the patients.
Testing For Alzheimer’s: A Wrenching But Crucial Decision
BOSTON — Scientists can now predict with reasonable certainty who is likely to get Alzheimer’s. But that brings a difficult decision: should we be tested when there is currently no effective treatment? The answer could determine the progress of Alzheimer’s research.
Author Finds Silver Lining In Mother’s Alzheimer’s
BOSTON — “In a bizarre way [I'm] rather grateful for the disease,” said Cape Cod author Kate Whouley. “It ended up healing our relationship.”
Alzheimer’s Research Seeks Earlier Detection
BOSTON — There is currently nothing on the market that halts or even slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s in patients. In our second series report, we look at the disease’s ongoing research and drug trials.
Alzheimer’s 101: Understanding The Disease
BOSTON — An overview conversation about the disease with the head of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
At 59, A Father’s Devastating Diagnosis
BOSTON — Dr. Ralph Kelly, a medical researcher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when he was just 59. To open a special series, we meet Ralph and his wife Ruth, and learn how one family is coping with the early stages of the disease.
Your Alzheimer’s Disease Stories
Are you struggling with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who has the disease? Or maybe you have lost someone to Alzheimer’s? If so, we would like to hear from you.
Alzheimer’s Disease Resources
We’ve put together a list of resources designed to answer your questions and address your concerns about Alzheimer’s disease.
‘Music Is The One Thing We Share:’ An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Speaks
Lynne and Patrick Scannell have sung and played music together throughout their marriage. When Patrick was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia three years ago, all of that began to change.
How Alzheimer’s Caregivers Cope
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's. But in reality, the disease touches three times as many people, in the form of 15 million unpaid caregivers. Today, we focus on them.
Living With Alzheimer’s, A Day In the Life of Ralph Hergert: Part Four
In 2009, at the age of 62, Ralph Hergert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As a part of WBUR’s week-long series on the disease, we conclude our day in the life of Ralph and his wife Leslie.
Living With Alzheimer’s, A Day In the Life of Ralph Hergert: Part Three
In 2009, at the age of 62, Ralph Hergert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As a part of WBUR’s week-long series on the disease, we follow Ralph and his wife Leslie through their daily routine.
The Elusive Search For An Alzheimer’s Cure
A successful treatment for Alzheimer's disease could be just years away, says Dr. Reisa Sperling, director of the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Living With Alzheimer’s, A Day In the Life of Ralph Hergert: Part Two
In 2009, at the age of 62, Ralph Hergert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As a part of WBUR’s week-long series on the disease, we follow Ralph and his wife Leslie through their daily routine.
Living With Alzheimer’s, A Day In the Life of Ralph Hergert: Part One
In 2009, at the age of 62, Ralph Hergert was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As a part of WBUR's week-long series on the disease, we follow Ralph and his wife Leslie through their daily routine, starting with breakfast.
Are you struggling with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who has the disease? Or maybe you have lost someone to Alzheimer's? Share here.
10 signs of Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's Assocation)
24/7 care consultation helpline 1-800-272-3900 (Alzheimer's Assocation)
Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
The Alzheimer's disease clinical trials database (National Institute on Aging and U.S. FDA)
