By Max Wallack
Puzzles to Remember
Since March 8, I have spent every day in a hospital setting learning more about Alzheimer's disease as well as other neurological problems.
I have had experiences ranging from being in an elevator with a patient having a sudden heart attack to visiting a very sad veteran's ward of advanced Alzheimer's patients.
I found that most patients are eager to interact with young people, sometimes sharing their whole life story. Some are full of advice. I am convinced that interaction with a kind person can improve the life of every single one of the patients I have seen, even if only for a short time.
Some of these older patients affectionately called me "Doogie". Being from another generation, it took me a few days to find out that they were referring to a TV show from the 80's.
Tomorrow, I will be visiting some research laboratories where cutting edge research on Alzheimer's disease is happening. I am looking forward to learning a lot.
Max Wallack is a student at Boston University Academy. His great grandmother, Gertrude Finkelstein, suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Max is the founder of PUZZLES TO REMEMBER , a 501(c.)3 charitable organization. PUZZLES TO REMEMBER is a project that provides puzzles to nursing homes and other institutions that care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
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