It's 2022 and there are literally thousands of options for filmed entertainment and infotainment, but PBS still manages to create programming you either cannot find anywhere else or won't find anywhere else. Their science series, NOVA is now in its 49th season and it is still producing highly worthwhile special programming.
Season 49, episode 5 premiered this week and it is another outstanding installment for NOVA. It is Determined: Fighting Alzheimer's. Worldwide in 2022, there are fifty million people living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia; and most of the world's population knows someone that has this dreaded disease. It is not a diagnosis with a good prognosis. There is no cure for the disease, but this one hour special sheds light on what is happening in the fight and struggle surrounding the disease.
Three women are enrolled in Alzheimer's disease trials at the University of Wisconsin which has been funding this program since 2001. The trial is called WRAP. My dad had Alzheimer's and he spent 12 years of his life under the heavy and darkened shade of the disease. Prior to his diagnosis, he had a variety of personality changes. At the time, we had no idea that personality changes took place prior to the onset of the disease itself. We only found this out years after he had started his path on the disease route. My mom didn't have Alzheimer's, but she passed at the age of 97 with age related dementia. There is a huge difference between Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The three (Karen, Sigrid and Barb) women mentioned above are enrolled in the University of Wisconsin trials and all three of them have a history of Alzheimer's disease in their respective families.
One of the moms featured in this special is named Irene and she and her husband, Doren have been married 59 years. My mom's name was Irene, so I am drawn to someone with my mother's name and ironically enough my parents were married for 59 years. Doren loved his wife and at one point he tells one of his daughters (who are all enrolled in the program) that he will keep on loving her and taking care of her. Doren's Irene eventually ends up on hospice as did my mom, Irene.
The information that has come from some of these long-term studies provide healthy guidelines, but none of this necessarily means you will not get Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Depression, anxiety, low mood and stress affect memory. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while eating healthy and exercising have an impact in keeping the disease away. We live in a nation where 33% of the population is inactive. Physical fitness keeps your cognitive skills up high.
Alzheimer's Disease wasn't discovered until 1906, so 100 plus years in we still have a long way to go. This special is superb programming. If you have an opportunity to view this special, please do. It is one of the most informative specials and one of the most personal pieces on the disease that has been produced on the subject.
Copyright The Flaming Nose April 2022
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