Category Archives: Personal Stories

At the UCSF Memory and Aging Center (MAC), we are very privileged to have the Hellman Visiting Artist program, a unique project created to foster dialogue between scientists, caregivers, patients, clinicians and the public regarding creativity and the brain. The program allows us to invite an accomplished artist (visual artist, musician, writer or other creative individual) to visit the MAC each year to learn about neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. We encourage a creative exchange between the artist and the researchers, as well as interactions with patients and families who agree to participate. The Visiting Artist also shares their creativity with the larger community through a public performance.

Our first visiting artist was Deborah Aschheim, a visual artist known for her works using light and video to create impressions of the neurological structures that make us who we are. As her residency draws to end this month, we caught up with her to ask her about her experience. Read more

RB had an incredible and accomplished research career. Problems at work led her to seek a neurological evaluation, and she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Since that time she has navigated her way with grace and been involved in advocacy efforts for Alzheimer’s disease. Most recently, she spoke to legislators at the annual Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Day in Sacramento. Below is her moving and inspirational statement. Thank you for your honesty and passion.

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