Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Patients, Family Members Turn Into Entrepreneurs, Activists
The Washington Post: More People With Alzheimer’s Are Becoming Activists — Which Brings Its Own Challenges
When Michael Ellenbogen calls for a more aggressive fight against Alzheimer’s disease, he speaks with passion that comes from experience. As someone who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Ellenbogen can convey firsthand the pain and frustration at what he sees as insufficient government support for research to find a cure or better treatments. But to some, Ellenbogen’s passion recently went too far. ... Ellenbogen, a former telecommunications manager, is one of a small but growing number of people with Alzheimer’s disease who are shaking off the stigma of the neurodegenerative illness to become public advocates in the campaign for a cure. But his experience shows the unusual challenges people with dementia sometimes face in the public arena. (Kunkle, 5/27)
The Washington Post: After Her Husband’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis, She Invented A Product To Improve His Life–And The Lives Of Millions
Maura Horton has always been her husband’s cheerleader. ... But after Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder, in his 40’s and Maura found herself feeling helpless in the face of his degenerative disease’s affects. So she has stepped into a new role—one that she never imagined for herself: Founder and CEO of MagnaReady, which makes adaptive clothing for people who struggle with fine motor skills. People like her husband. (Tenety, 5/28)
