Inside the Impact Board with Meryl Comer: Alzheimer's Policy Needs to Catch Up to Innovation
Driven by personal experience watching her husband battle Alzheimer’s disease, Comer transformed from award-winning journalist to passionate advocate. In this chat with the Alzheimer's Moonshot Impact Board member, Comer emphasizes the urgency of aligning policy with the rapid pace of innovation in Alzheimer's research and care, while also addressing the complex human and social dimensions of the disease.
In this interview, we meet a powerful force in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease: Meryl Comer, a member of StartUp Health's Alzheimer's Moonshot Impact Board. Driven by personal experience watching her husband battle the disease, Comer transformed from award-winning journalist to passionate advocate. She is the Co-founder & Board Member of UsAgainstAlzheimers; the U.S. Representative for the Global Brain Trust; and Vice-Chair of WHAM (Women’s Health Access Matters). Comer emphasizes the urgency of aligning policy with the rapid pace of innovation in Alzheimer's research and care, while also addressing the complex human and social dimensions of the disease.
Here are some highlights of the full interview (available on video and podcast):
Personal Journey with Alzheimer’s Care
Meryl Comer shares her deeply personal story of caring for her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Initially given a five-year prognosis, he lived for 24 years under her care. This experience shaped her advocacy and public policy work.
Quote: "No matter what I did, they said he would only last for five years... he lasted 24 years."
Challenges in Public Perception of Alzheimer’s
Comer emphasizes the stigma associated with Alzheimer's, particularly how it was historically portrayed as just memory loss in the elderly. This motivated her to write a book focused on shifting public policy perspectives.
She argues that Alzheimer's should not be seen merely as an "old person's disease" and that greater attention should be given to how the disease impacts both patients and caregivers.
Advocacy and Policy Lag
While there have been significant strides in innovation, particularly in early diagnostics and detection, Comer stresses that advocacy has not kept pace with the scientific advancements.
The need for policies to address issues like insurance, workplace discrimination, and the stigma around early diagnosis is a key focus. This gap between innovation and policy creates challenges for those diagnosed early in their lives.
The Role of Women in Alzheimer’s Care
Comer notes the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer's on women, both as patients and as caregivers. Women represent two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, making them a critical focus in both care and research.
She also highlights differences in how Alzheimer’s manifests between men and women, such as women being able to mask symptoms longer due to stronger verbal skills but then experiencing more sudden declines.
Early Detection and Ethical Questions
Comer discusses the advancements in early detection through methods like AI, blood biomarkers, and voice analysis. However, she raises ethical concerns about the implications of diagnosing individuals early, such as insurance companies potentially discriminating against those at risk.
Quote: "The reality is the disease starts 20 years before symptoms... but do I want to be told now, eight years before I ever get symptoms?"
Innovative Therapies and Their Limitations
While new therapies have emerged that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, Comer points out that these treatments are still limited in scope and effectiveness. They offer only a brief window of relief, making them more about “buying time” rather than providing a cure.
This reflects a shift from focusing solely on finding a cure to improving quality of life for those diagnosed.
Caregiver Burden and Support Needs
Emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, Comer calls for more support systems for caregivers, noting that current solutions often do not fully account for the day-to-day challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
She also points to the importance of practical tools and technologies, like apps for cognitive rehabilitation, that can aid caregivers in their role.