Love Lives in Every Memory

A lifetime of attention, arguably in the wrong domain

For the last 30 years I have dedicated my life towards the area of healthcare.  When I began less than 10% of health records were digital, the concept of population health was left up to the health plans, most information was hard to get to, and most definitely uncoordinated, disconnected, and unintegrated care.

So while progress has been made... data is generally accessible, but still not portable.  Health in most all regions remains unconnected, whether you are switching jobs, finding a new doctor, or moving between states & cities, and outcomes are unfortunately not ideal.

While we are fighting to help people with chronic disease, the food industry is continuing to churn out foods that alter the behavior of people's eating patterns, driving over 500 more calories per day than those who chose seek out a healthier food and lifestyle.

And the US pharmaceutical industry spends close to $20 billion per year on advertising, making it the second-largest ad spender in the country. So while it is up to us to find healthy options, the option of taking a pill seems so easy and yet so pervasive and ultimately destructive.

Meanwhile, we are faced with new diseases. One in particular has personally introduced itself by way of my parents.  

My father was born in 1929, and he was born the average life span was 54 years. My mother was born in 1934 and she too has outlived so much of what was expected to be a person's life time.

Whether or not it was the food, lifestyle, or any number of the social determinants of health - they both were impacted by Alzheimers. This devastating disease slowly steals the very being away from the individual.

Over a period of time, the memories and consciousness slip away, often leaving the most loving and caring people, in a state of suspension - and all those around them in a state of disbelief. The empathy and humility required to see the transition slip away becomes real, and the glimpses of who they were to you and to themselves fade.

The numbers and prevalence behind Alzheimers

Alzheimers has a huge impact on the lives of their families.   More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's. An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023.

By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.

The lifetime risk for Alzheimer's at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.

Health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

My parents came from a generation that tended to see and strive around optimism, determination, and respect. If they could, they would rise up and find a path forward. Unfortunately that is no longer an option, and while I may have been focused on the wrong domain, I hope to change that and take my own path on this journey.

Introducing Patients for a Cure

Patients for a Cure is dedicated to being a beacon of hope and a trusted resource for all those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Our mission is to provide comprehensive access to the latest research, support resources, educational articles, and innovations in Alzheimer's care. We are committed to building a robust network of support that connects those impacted by Alzheimer's with the solutions and resources they need to navigate this challenging journey.

By addressing the emotional and practical needs of the Alzheimer's community, we strive to alleviate the burden and feelings of fear, confusion, frustration, sadness, isolation, guilt, and helplessness that often accompany this disease. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Patients for a Cure champions a world where love, understanding, and the relentless pursuit of answers illuminate the path to a cure for Alzheimer's.

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