1. Provide the title of your story or series and the names of the journalists involved.
"Fading Away" by Rhonda Koulermos.
2. List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Columbus Monthly magazine, September 2010.
3. Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Richard Groat, executive at a TV station in Columbus, Ohio, developed early-onset Alzheimer's at age 52. His wife Gloria served as his primary caregiver while running a small business and caring for their aging parents. This is the story of their 16-year journey with Alzheimer's disease.
4. Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Statistics from the Center for Disease Control were used, as well as background information from the Alzheimer's Organization's electronic newsletters.
5. Explain types of human sources used.
Extensive interviews were conducted with Gloria Groat, Richard's wife, as well as Richard's neurologist, Dr. Douglas Scharre of the Ohio State Medical Center. Jennifer Icenhour, clinical research manager at the OSU Memory Disorders Research Center, was interviewed by phone. Gloria's neighbor, Dr. Eileen Kalmar, and stepdaughter Kim Clements were also interviewed.
6. Results (if any).
The article weaves the Groats' personal journey with medical information on the current clinical trials and research being conducted at Ohio State University, and provides suggestions for early diagnosis, financial action steps, and the importance of community support.
7. 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.
No corrections.
8. Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Research the medical component thoroughly, and be prepared for the emotionality of the subject matter.