Alzheimer’s Stories at the Heart of Our Why

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise dementia awareness and challenge stigma. Each year, Alzheimer and dementia associations, alongside all those involved in the treatment, care and support of people living with dementia, from around the world unite to organize advocacy and information provision events, as well as Memory Walks and fundraising days.

At CRC, this month carries a personal weight. Many of us have experienced the reality of Alzheimer’s up close in our own families. Those experiences don’t stay behind at home. They accompany us every day, shaping how we see our mission and why it matters.

Our Stories

This month, members of our team are sharing personal reflections about the loved ones who shaped their lives and continue to shape their purpose. These stories are reminders of the human side of research and why we cannot stop searching for better outcomes.

Alison Taber

Chief Operating Officer

"There are many people in our lives who help shape the people we are. The strongest of those for me was undeniably my mom. A lady like no other, strong, determined, relentless and the kindest person to all who knew her. Involved in so much in our community, with a family of five children, working and taking care of a home in tandem. I never saw her falter, no matter what she marched forward. 

I lived abroad for so many years and feel now I lost so much time with her being away. Her mental health declined over the years, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so heartbreaking and soul destroying. And although I wasn’t home as much as I wanted to be, when I did get there, she was so different. Going through phases of distress, unease, pacing, fear and crying, how could anyone watch that decline and not be crippled by it. The feeling of not being able to help her, watching her not remember you entirely, a vagueness in her eyes. Telling me I was a lovely girl until she became more incoherent. 

What I wouldn’t do to spare anyone that pain to see a loved one’s light fade before your eyes. It is the reason I am here, continuing to devote my career to the pursuit of life-changing medicines in Neuroscience. We have to be relentless in the pursuit here to catch this early, eradicate it and give people back their memory. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I do. 

This month, and every day, I remember her beautiful self. She was and will always be my hero."

Morgan Edwards

Director of Marketing

"My grandfather, who I called Papa Joe, was remarkably brave, intelligent, and kind. He was always there for me growing up, teaching me to take nothing for granted and to make the most of any situation, encouraging me to be courageous and follow my dreams like he did when he left college to join the Navy and see the world. Even as I began to lose him to Alzheimer's disease, his humility, compassion, and sense of wonder stayed with me. 

Alzheimer's stole parts of him slowly at first, then grew greedy, until most days he could not recognize his family, who had always been the most important thing to him. And many days, I found myself straining to recognize him. The man who had always been steady and gentle became agitated, distrustful, and impossible to reach. When Papa Joe passed from related complications, my father shared something Papa Joe once told him, words that felt so true that day: 'All things will eventually correct themselves; however, you may not like the end results.' 

I have carried everything Papa Joe taught me into the work I do today, with hope that research can help correct what Alzheimer’s continues to take and lead to less heartbreaking results. It is an honor to contribute alongside colleagues who have made it their mission to pursue better answers and better options. Too many people share similar stories, and my heart goes out to everyone who has felt the cruelty of Alzheimer’s. What inspires me is knowing that every effort brings us closer to a future where families can share more time and meaningful moments with their loved ones."

Honoring Through Action

The memories shared here reflect both heartbreak and resilience, and they show that behind every trial is a life, a family, a story touched by this disease. Alzheimer’s reaches far beyond a diagnosis. It is felt in families navigating change, caregivers stepping into new roles, and researchers racing against time. 

To honor those we have lost and those still living with Alzheimer’s, we carry their stories with us. When we support Alzheimer’s trials, we see more than metrics. We see hope that each step forward can change what is possible for families in the future. 

At CRC, these connections are inseparable from our mission. Over the years, CRC has carried that determination and belief into dozens of Alzheimer’s and related studies. If you would like to learn more about this journey, please see our Alzheimer’s research experience.