List date(s) this work was published or aired.
26-Mar-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The story is about Sid Yudowitch, a Connecticut man with early-onset Alzheimer’s, who has been giving speeches about living with the disease. I learned about it while researching a story on caregivers; I found out that the state’s Alzheimer’s Association, after years of offering support groups and courses for caregivers, had decided to start similar programs for people with the disease.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I used Internet resources for background information on early-onset Alzheimer’s and on techniques for coping with it, including the mind aerobics Sid does. No FOI requests were necessary.
Explain types of human sources used.
I attended one of Sid’s talks and interviewed him. I also interviewed people who started the programs for people with Alzheimer’s.
Results:
N/A
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing about people with a disease like Alzheimer’s through those who treat or care for them, so take any opportunity you can get to talk to people with it.