THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT:
A pioneering multi-part, multi-platform series bringing new understanding and hope for millions
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| Watch the videos at alz.org/hbo for free or purchase the set at major retailers |
One of the most devastating forms of memory loss is Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Today, Alzheimer’s is the second most-feared illness in America, following cancer, and may affect as many as five million Americans. As the baby-boom generation reaches retirement, that number could soar to more than 11 million by 2040 and have a huge economic impact on America’s already fragile healthcare system.While there is no cure for the disease, THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT shows there is now genuine reason to be optimistic about the future.
Created by the award-winning team behind HBO’s acclaimed “Addiction” project, this multi-platform series takes a close look at groundbreaking discoveries made by the country’s leading scientists, as well as the effects of this debilitating and fatal disease both on those with Alzheimer’s and on their families.Scientific research is gaining momentum in discovering ways to treat and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s.
Aiming to bring a new understanding, THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT features a four-part documentary series, 15 short supplemental films, a robust website and a nationwide community-based information and outreach campaign. A book published by Public Affairs Books was developed by the producers as a companion to the project. HBO will use all of its platforms, including the HBO main service, multiplex channels, HBO On Demand, HBO Podcasts, hbo.com, HBO Channel on YouTube and DVD sales, to support the project. In addition, all films are streaming free of charge on hbo.com.
“The Alzheimer’s research community welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with HBO, seeking to raise new awareness and understanding of this devastating disease,” says Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of the National Institute on Aging, the component of the National Institutes of Health leading the federal Alzheimer’s disease research program. “There is a compelling story to tell of scientific discovery, of research advances and challenges, and of the human faces behind the disease.”
The first of the four documentaries in THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is “The Memory Loss Tapes”, which provides an up-close and personal look at seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s, each in an advancing state of dementia across the full spectrum of the progression of the disease. “Momentum In Science” is a two-part state-of-the-science film that takes viewers inside the laboratories and clinics of 25 leading scientists and physicians, revealing some of the most cutting-edge research advances. “ ‘Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?’ with Maria Shriver”
captures what it means to be a child or grandchild of one with Alzheimer’s, while “Caregivers” highlights the sacrifices and successes of people who experience their loved ones’ descent into dementia.
THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT is a presentation of HBO Documentary Films and the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health in association with the Alzheimer’s Association®, Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® Alzheimer’s Initiative. The series producer is John Hoffman; the executive producers are Sheila Nevins and Maria Shriver.
Is there “hope on the horizon”?
By Dr. Myra Aud, Associate Professor at MU Sinclair School of Nursing
 Myra Aud, PhD, RN, is an Associate Professor at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing specializing in Gerontological Nursing with focuses in dementia; promotion of health and safety for older adults; care quality in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and dementia special care units. As a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Missouri Chapter, Dr. Aud recognizes the need for community-based services and recommends an early and accurate diagnosis of AD. |
There is progress to report. Our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease grows. The work of many committed scientists continues to increase our understanding of how the brain functions and how Alzheimer’s disease impairs brain function. Today we know more about Alzheimer’s disease and the other dementias than at any time in history.
We have some medications, such as the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, that slow the progression of the disease in some persons with dementia although we do not know why these medications fail to help others. We also have research studies that indicate that some treatments proposed over the years, such as Hydergine®, are not effective. In the search for treatments and cures even this negative information is progress; in healthcare it is as important to know what does not work as to know what works.
As described in the HBO series, there is hope now for a vaccine for Alzheimer’s disease that works against the abnormal beta-amyloid protein in the brain. One clinical trial of the vaccine was halted because of side effects but a recipient of the vaccine was interviewed for the HBO series. It appears that in his case the vaccine slowed the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and did not cause significant side effects. Work on a vaccine has continued; a new clinical trial is underway.
Several weeks after our screening event at the library, I continue to reflect on the hope engendered by the HBO series. I feel like a child anticipating holiday gifts, standing on tiptoe, waiting to open the packages, knowing that something good is coming. However, unlike the child I do not have a fixed date for the holiday gift. Scientific discoveries do not come according to the calendar. They come in their own time after research, more research, and more research. I know that research is happening now. I know work is being done on diagnostic methods. I know there are clinical trials of medications and vaccines. Someday, what we hope for will arrive.
“THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT” Community Screenings
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| The first of a series of public screenings of “The Alzheimer’s Project” at Columbia’s library. |
Watch for a screening near you at alz.org/mid-missouri in UPCOMING EVENTS.
