The latest news on brain health featuring stories of hope and strength
In this month’s brain disease news round-up, we meet several individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others with brain disease. Read on to learn more about the new Robin Williams documentary “Robin’s Wish,” Emilia Clarke’s brain injury advocacy efforts and how the pandemic is affecting those with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Robin’s Wish” honors late comedian’s legacy, shines light on Lewy body dementia
To celebrate the launch of “Robin’s Wish,” American Brain Foundation’s vice chair Susan Schneider Williams appeared on the TODAY show. She talked about her late husband Robin Williams’ fight with Lewy body dementia and the struggle to reach a diagnosis. “Robin and I knew there was so much more going on. Robin was right when he said to me, ‘I just want to reboot my brain,’” she shared. “In that moment, I promised him that we would get to the bottom of this and I just didn’t know that would be after he passed.” Schneider Williams, a fine artist and advocate, hopes that “Robin’s Wish,” a documentary dedicated to her husband’s life and legacy, shines a light on brain disease. Watch Schneider Williams and filmmaker Tylor Norwood discuss the film in this exclusive webinar.
Emilia Clarke Works to End Stigma Around Brain Injury
In the August/September 2020 issue of the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain & Life® Magazine, actor Emilia Clarke shares her experience overcoming two brain aneurysms during her time portraying Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Because of her brain disease journey, Clarke created a charity called SameYou. The charity promotes brain injury recovery awareness, advances nursing education to provide better care, and funds clinical research. Because her efforts, Clarke received the 2020 Public Leadership in Neurology Award at the American Brain Foundation’s 2020 Commitment to Cures event in recognition of her work in neurorehabilitation advocacy.
The Impact of COVID-19 and the Global Pandemic on Alzheimer’s Research, Long-Term Care and the Brain
Those with Alzheimer’s disease face new challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These problems include a crisis in long-term care facilities due to a lack of transparency and access to testing. The Alzheimer’s Association announced a new study to track and understand the long-term impact of coronavirus exposure on the brain. The study will include scientists from more than 30 countries and assistance from the World Health Organization. With these combined efforts, the study hopes to see how COVID-19 affects cognition, behavior, and function of the brain.