10.10.2004
Faces of Alzheimer's
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Capital News 9 in Albany, New York, shows the human side of Alzheimer's
Eddy Alzheimer's Services from Rensselaer recently hosted a ceremony to launch a photo exhibit entitled "The Faces of Alzheimer's." And just as the title suggests, the exhibit brought out a human side to the disease.
Photographer Mark McCarty said, "These are all people with Alzheimer's, and I was trying to show them in a way that made them real people, that really expressed their individuality."
That expression was shown through the use of captions on each photograph, which were all written by relatives or loved ones. Each photograph includes a unique story or uplifting message. It's this positive approach to the disease that can be beneficial in the long run.
Nancy Cummings of the Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center said, "Although Alzheimer's disease is certainly a tragic thing that happens, there's a lot to celebrate, and there's a lot to learn from the residents and whose photographs are portrayed in this exhibit."
The exhibit does more than simply show a person with Alzheimer's, it also portrays them as people. And, with the disease affecting more than 4.5 million Americans, including 47 percent over the age of 85, people certainly appreciate the support.
Family member Benita Soklowski said, "My mother was in one of those photos, and he did a great job capturing the twinkle in her eye. So I wanted to see the display because I knew it would be great, and it is."
The exhibit will be on display for public viewing through November in observance of National Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
You can watch a video here.
