About This Exhibit
Why Was This Exhibit Made?
Alzheimer's Disease is one of the most widely diagnosed conditions around the world, affecting the significantly increasing middle-aged and elder populations (Braak, et al., 2006; NIA, 2020). However, there is a severe lack of dialogue surrounding what this disease is and how it can affect individuals. Discussions involving age-related conditions and disease must become more common place in society, and with that, education about cognitive decline shouldn't just take place within clinical settings. This exhibit covers portions of the history of Alzheimer's Disease in order to encourage members of the general public to: learn more about cognitive and physical decline associated with aging, evaluate personal and societal stigma and fears associated with aging, and get a better feel of how a disease does not strip an individual of their personality or individuality. Similarly, this exhibit showcases how the perception of cognitive decline has evolved over the course of time. This is done to exemplify how important general, public knowledge is in regards to public health concerns.
The age at which an individual experiences the first symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease, as well as the genetic underpinnings, determines whether or not they have early or late-onset Alzheimer's Disease. If an individual experiences symptoms at 65 years or older, they have late-onset, whereas early-onset can typically occur before the age of fifty (NIA, 2024). Though discussing each onsets of Alzheimer's Disease is typically done separately, they will be discussed together in this exhibit as the specifics of genetic and lifestyle risk factors are not of main focus. Similarly, the majority of specific case studies, individual testimonies, and works of art showcased here, have been sourced from individuals with late-onset Alzheimer's Disease, however a differentiation will not be made under sources involving early-onset. For a more detailed explanation of the biological abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's Disease, this podcast interview with Dr. Murphy from the Mayo Clinic explains both beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles extremely well.
Where Should I Start?
Anywhere! Gathering a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's Disease can begin by exploring any aspect of its development, biological effects, daily-living effects, how individuals express their personal experiences, or by examining historical versus current viewpoints. In other words, it's encouraged to start your learning journey at whatever avenue seems the most personally appealing and accessible. For instance, if exploring historical events tied to Alzheimer's Disease through a geographic lens sounds interesting, then this map may be helpful!
This exhibit specifically contains different mediums to present information and case studies regarding the same topic, to further encourage a non-linear learning experience. As Alzheimer's Disease is a very complex and sensitive subject, this exhibit is meant to have a personalized learning experience balancing boundaries and education. Therefore, every item is not meant to be viewed by every viewer. Further, each medium type is able to be viewed and compared alongside the same and differing mediums. For a mixed media view of historical and current innovations surrounding Alzheimer's Disease, tied to specific locations, this StoryMap could be a great place to start!