Notes from Youville

Notes from Youville: Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

With no clear cause and no known cure, staying active and educated for now appears the best defense against the effects of Alzheimer's.

  Youville House resident Anna Pier is no stranger to Alzheimer’s disease. She cared for her husband throughout his long struggle with the disease, and also saw it claim the life of her sister in law. In September, Anna participated in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” an event in which she has taken part since 2009. Organized by the Alzheimer’s Association, the “Walk” has spread to more than 600 communities nationwide, helping to fund significant advances in our knowledge of Alzheimer’s. But there’s still a long way to go, and no one is more aware of the need for progress in Alzheimer’s care and research than Anna.  “We still don’t really understand how the disease works,” she says. “I do this not just for people in my generation, but also …

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Lexington Resident and Retired Space Scientist Opens Up About Alzheimer's

Allen Krieger, a Lexington resident and retired space scientist, was a featured speaker at the Boston State House last week at Alzheimer Advocacy Action Day.

The following is a press release from the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. Allen Krieger, a Lexington resident and retired space scientist, was a featured speaker at the State House last week at Alzheimer Advocacy Action Day. Nearly 200 people turned out for the event and to ask legislators to support proposed legislation that would create regulations for Alzheimer care in nursing homes. Krieger, who has early stage Alzheimer’s disease, spoke with humor and eloquence about the disease. “I have a PhD from MIT in high energy astrophysics.  I've been a scientist, a corporate manager, and a consultant. But that's all ancient history," said Krieger. "Now, it takes me two or three trips up and down the stairs every …

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