A new book profiles people rejecting pessimism even though they face a progressive, terminal disease: younger-onset, also known as early-onset, Alzheimer’s disease. 

The book is inspired by three men: Dennis Myers, Jim Hursey, and Mike Razzi. They met at a support group in Hunt Valley. After forming a deep friendship, they dubbed themselves, “The Optimistics.”  

Writer Richie Frieman was inspired by their friendship. He interviewed more than seven dozen individuals diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their care partners. The result is Frieman’s new book, “The Optimistics.” 

On December 3rd, Frieman will speak about his book at the Pratt Central Library in Baltimore. 

In the next few weeks, the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting three 'Walks to End Alzheimer’s': in Annapolis this Sunday; in Baltimore on October 26th; and in Salisbury on November 2nd.  

Listen to our 2022 interview with the original 'Optimistics.'

Links:
YES! Young-Onset Dementia Education & Support

A new book profiles people rejecting pessimism even though they face a progressive, terminal disease: younger-onset, also known as early-onset, Alzheimer’s disease. 
The book is inspired by three men: Dennis Myers, Jim Hursey, and Mike Razzi. They met at a support group in Hunt Valley. After forming a deep friendship, they dubbed themselves, “The Optimistics.”  
Writer <a href="https://www.richiefrieman.com/">Richie Frieman</a> was inspired by their friendship. He interviewed more than seven dozen individuals diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their care partners. The result is Frieman’s new book, “<a href="https://www.richiefrieman.com/?page_id=506">The Optimistics</a>.” 
On December 3rd, Frieman will speak about his book at the <a href="https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/event/richie-frieman-the-optimistics">Pratt Central Library in Baltimore</a>. 
In the next few weeks, the <a href="https://www.alz.org/maryland">Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association</a> is hosting three '<a href="https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_homepage">Walks to End Alzheimer’s</a>': in <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/MD-GreaterMaryland?fr_id=17668&amp;pg=entry">Annapolis</a> this Sunday; in <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/MD-GreaterMaryland?fr_id=17669&amp;pg=entry">Baltimore</a> on October 26th; and in <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/MD-GreaterMaryland?fr_id=17673&amp;pg=entry">Salisbury</a> on November 2nd.  
Listen to our <a href="https://www.wypr.org/show/on-the-record/2022-11-01/the-optimistics-finding-friendship-after-an-early-onset-alzheimers-diagnosis">2022 interview with the original 'Optimistics.'</a>
Links: <a href="https://yessupport.org/">YES! Young-Onset Dementia Education &amp; Support</a>

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you?d like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you?d like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org" target="_blank">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

On The Record

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at ontherecord@wypr.org

Catch On the Record, hosted by Sheilah Kast, weekdays from 9:30 to 10:00 am, following NPR's Morning Edition. We'll discuss the issues that affect your life and bring you thoughtful and lively conversations with the people who shape those issues -- business people, public officials, scholars, artists, authors, WYPR reporters and other journalists who can take us inside the story. If you want to share a comment, question, or an idea for an interview you'd like to hear, email us at <a href="mailto:ontherecord@wypr.org">ontherecord@wypr.org</a>

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