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TGB 2012 - Alzheimer’s: A Lonely and Burdensome Disease

Basic Information
Application Process: 
TGB 2012
Trip Name: 
Alzheimer’s: A Lonely and Burdensome Disease
Trip Location: 
Bay Area, CA
Air Travel Trip: 
No
Number of Participants: 
10
Trip Description: 

“I am Sylvia. I was Sylvia before I was diagnosed, and I am still Sylvia after being diagnosed. I’m still the same person – treat me the same way. Talk to me the same way. Include me in the conversation as you would before.”  – Voices of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2008.

 If your parent or a loved one were to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s today, what would you as a college student do to cope with the new situation? What type of care would you provide and what resources would you use, and why?

 As scientists and researchers are looking to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and even searching for treatments such as immune therapy that could halt the progression of Alzheimer’s, the current reality is that there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and its associated stigma, along with more than 15 million caregivers who are underpaid. One of our primary goals is to show participants that Alzheimer’s is a non-discriminating disease, penetrating through all cultural and socioeconomic divisions. Thus, it is important that young people like us develop intergenerational bonds and engage in conversations with the elderly so that the aging process is viewed in a positive and less burdensome way. Throughout our trip, as we visit a wide range of care facilities, research labs, and even a genetic testing corporation, we hope to develop an emotional connection to ones affected by this disease while exploring the answers to these questions.

Trip Leaders
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Josephine Chen

Hey! I’m Josephine, a sophomore considering majoring in Biomedical Computation, and I’m passionate about providing equal opportunity, especially in terms of healthcare and education, to all people. On campus, I’m involved in several social entrepreneurship, health-related, and engineering groups. In the midst of my busy (and maybe slightly over-committed) spring quarter last year, participating in the Alzheimer’s-focused Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip, where I met Jimmy,definitely stood out as a highlight. The experience of devoting an entire week whole-heartedly, with no distractions, to public service was astounding, and I’m really excited to co-lead this ThanksGiving Back trip!

Jimmy He

Hey TGBers! I’m Jimmy, a sophomore interested in public service (go Branner!) and leaning towards Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry and Biophysics. In my limited time at Stanford so far, I have been a mentor to middle school students in Science in Service, participated in Impact Abroad’s international service-learning trip to Nicaragua this past summer, and organized this fall’s Power Influenza Week (get vaccinated!). Upon coming to Stanford, I have developed an emerging interest in geriatrics and veterans’ health through weekly volunteering and patient interaction at the Menlo Park VA hospital. Josephine and I met as participants in last year’s ASB Alzheimer’s directed-reading course and trip. In my precious free time, I love to swim long laps at Avery pool, visit my cousins in San Francisco, and watch some episodes of Big Bang Theory. One secret that I haven’t divulged is that I will be joining the men’s crew/rowing team as a coxswain this fall.