Alzheimer's Awareness

I really enjoyed the article about Marcia Gay Harden and her mother's experience with Alzheimer's disease ("Role of a Lifetime," April/May 2017, ). My husband and I take care of my mom who has the disease. We have thought a lot about Alzheimer's over the years and wondered why there is no cure or ways to prevent it. We'd like to start an awareness campaign, but first we need a logo or symbol. We recently learned that several countries have started their own campaigns. For instance, in the UK, they have a purple angel to represent dementia. In Canada, it's a purple elephant. We need to flood the media with a symbol in order to change how this disease is viewed and, in turn, bring more support. - Kara and Daniel Gries, Kimball, MN

I enjoyed reading your article on Marcia Gay Harden, and I look forward to reading her book. Caring for my mom with Alzheimer's disease has been very difficult, especially as I am an only child. - Cynthia Wile, Ft. Myers, FL

Trial Boosts

Your story about participating in clinical trials ("Volunteer Boost," April/May 2017) is so important. Research studies need to be viewed as potential treatment options, just as eating healthfully, exercising, listening to music, creating art, and socializing. It is up to health care providers to offer all options. The boosts from enrolling in trials apply to patients and their families. After a 2005 diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, my husband volunteered for clinical trials, which made him feel like he was doing something worthwhile. - Rhonda Watt, Huron, Ohio

Spanish Supporters

I'm thrilled that Neurology Now is available in Spanish ("Our Spanish Readers," April/May 2017). The articles were right on target for the community. There is very little literature in Spanish on most neurology topics. - Maria De Leon, MD, Nagocdoches, TX

I'm a medical interpreter in Spanish and while waiting for a patient at a health clinic, I saw the Spanish edition of Neurology Now. I loved it! My mom and I experience intense headaches and this information was new to me. - Catherine Lainez, Roanoke, VA

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: We're pleased to have been able to provide a special pilot issue in Spanish. We'll let readers know if we can continue this offering.

Fellow Travelers

Your recent article on traveling with a neurologic disorder ("Hit the Road," April/May 2017) omits traveling with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Much of your advice applies to many of us, but tips for managing cognitive and behavioral deficits were missing. For example, a simple exercise such as packing can be fraught with anxiety caused by trouble organizing, prioritizing, and initiating, and fatigue. Most people with ABI prefer to, and do, stay home. A follow-up article about the cognitive challenges of traveling would resonate with your readers. - Laurie Rippon, New York, NY

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letter. We will keep your excellent idea in mind for a future story.