Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Health: Insights, Resources, and Real Stories

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a topic that’s especially close to my heart. I began researching Alzheimer’s in 2021 and have since published several papers, including qualitative studies about family caregivers. Their stories deeply moved me, and continue to shape the work I do today.

To support those of you caring for loved ones with dementia, I’m sharing a few trusted resources below.

Matters of Memory Webinar

On June 6th at noon PT, I’m partnering with the Stanford VA Alzheimer’s Center to present a free webinar, “Matters of Memory: Normal Aging or Cognitive Decline?” This talk blends my qualitative studies with the latest neuroscience research to help you better understand how memory changes with age—and when to be concerned. I hope you’ll join me. (It's free but not recorded.)

Fading Memories Podcast

Fading Memories is a podcast hosted by my colleague, Jennifer Fink. Her highly practical programs prioritize the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones. They are  relevant to anyone caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or disability.

Avenidas Caregiver Support Group

If you're local to the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend the twice-monthly in-person caregiver support groups held at Avenidas, a nonprofit senior community center in Palo Alto. My colleague Paula Wolfson, a licensed social worker, leads these sessions and also provides private elder care consultations. 

Alzheimer’s Disease Movie Recommendations

Here are a few films that provide a deeper understanding of what it's like to live with Alzheimer's Disease, for both the patient and the caregiver.

  • Still Alice, the 2014 Oscar-winning film based on Lisa Genova's novel about a Harvard professor (Julienne Moore) who develops early-onset Alzheimer's.

  • The Father, the 2021 Oscar-winning film starring Anthony Hopkins, told from the perspective of someone with Alzheimer's.

  • Caregivinga 2025 documentary produced by Bradley Cooper about America’s caregiving crisis through intimate stories and expert insight. I look forward to seeing this when it is released on June 24th!