Wellness in Early Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease

Wellness in Early Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease: An interview with Christine Ball (Health Director of the Tahltan Band)
A pioneering project in global health and cross-cultural neuroethics
Dr. Judy Illes and Dr. B. Lynn Beattie, Principal Investigators
Alzheimer Disease is a complex syndrome with cognitive changes, decline in function, and changes in behavior. Usually the cause isn't known but in some cases a gene can be identified in some families with early onset disease. This is EOFAD or Early Onset Familial Alzheimer Disease.
In the First Nations family with whom we have been working, we identified a unique presenilin 1 gene. Symptoms usually start by the late 50's and many affected persons live into their 70's with progressive symptoms. There is a large family tree and we estimate that 100 relatives are currently at risk.
There is no known cure for EOFAD, but we identified a great need for knowledge and understanding to mitigate stigma and bring meaningful resources to the community. This project Wellness in Alzheimer Disease, conducted in the context of cross cultural neuroethics, benefited from a deep partnership with the Tahltan Nation, and was supported by funding from several sources. We are grateful to all who contributed so generously.
Credit:
Marianne Claire Bacani (Videography)
For more information, visit:
National Core for Neuroethics
www.neuroethicscanada.ca
Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders
www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/cl...