Film and Speaker Series event teaches viewers about Alzheimer’s disease
The UHCL National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) partnered with the Film and Speaker Series Sept. 26 to focus on the issue of Alzheimer’s, offering a free screening of the movie “Still Alice.”
The movie, which features Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart, was followed by a discussion with guest speaker Krista Bohn, the Galveston/Bay Area outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter. Bohn also has a master’s in public health.
The movie depicts the story of Alice Howland, a linguistics professor at Columbia University, who is diagnosed with early-onset (familial) Alzheimer’s shortly after her 40th birthday. Throughout the film, Howland progresses shockingly fast from simply forgetting words to getting lost to forgetting people, her surroundings and finally, to a drastic decline in speech and overall brain function.
The painful truth of living with the disease and its consequences is not only hard on the main character, but also her loved ones. The spotlight is cast on the various coping mechanisms the characters display, inciting an emotional and mental response from the viewer.
Crystal Klyng, president of NSLS, said the organization likes to stay involved on campus and is hoping to spark interest in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” scheduled for Oct. 10 in Galveston. Participants for the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” can preregister online or just join the day of the event.
“We look for different opportunities for community service, any opportunities where we can foster leadership skill,” Klyng said.
Mary Hailey, who is a regular attendee at the Film and Speaker Series events with her husband Andy, said that she has a personal interest in Alzheimer’s.
“I think it’s a possibility for me or my husband, and I want to know what to watch for,” Hailey said. “You never know.”
Alzheimer’s disease is only one form of dementia, but accounts for over 70 percent of the affected dementia patients. Bohn related that despite research efforts, Alzheimer’s “cannot be prevented, slowed or cured.”
“Many don’t realize that Alzheimer’s disease is a huge public crisis,” Bohn explained. “[It] is the sixth leading cause of death in America with over 5 million Americans suffering from the disease.”
Dawn Iven, community service chair for the NSLS, has a very personal experience with the disease. She first became involved in raising awareness for Alzheimer’s three years ago, when she volunteered at the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”
“I have an uncle who has Alzheimer’s,” Iven said. “I found out last year that my stepfather has also been diagnosed with this terrible disease.”
After the movie, Bohn presented a slideshow about dementia, and Alzheimer’s in particular, that illustrated the difference between typical age-related changes and suspicious changes to look for, explained the umbrella term of dementia, displayed statistics, explained the biological impact and the different stages of the disease, and concluded with resources for victims and their support system.
The evening ended with a forum between the audience members and Bohn that included questions concerning the signs, prevention, progression and research, as well as adapting to the disease.
Bohn emphasized that the stigma that comes along with the disease often presents a major problem to the patient.
“As the disease progresses, other challenges arise, such as safety issues (such as wandering), communication challenges, and legal and financial issues,” Bohn said.
The Alzheimer’s Association supports those affected through various resources and services, including help with the emotional strain to caregivers, support groups, a 24/7 helpline at (800) 727-3900, and many other services. Visit http://www.alz.org/texas or call (713) 314-1313 or (800) 272-3900 for more information.
Krista Bohn speaks at UHCL Film and Speaker Series
This article has been corrected to reflect that this is the first semester Dawn Iven has been the Community Service chair for NSLS. It was previously reported that she had been the chair since 2013.
