Maria’s report on the diseaseis being released today.
She also produced an Emmy-winning HBO special calledThe Alzheimer’s Projectlast year.
Here, our conversation, and what you could do to help, and get the support you need!
Maria Shriver:I got involved when my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
I didn’t get involved then because he was diagnosed the month before Arnold ran for governor.
And then my mom got sick and I was in the crunch that so many women experience.
Then I got involved with this report on how women are changing the landscape in every way.
It really made sense to me that so many women were feeling this way.
Lucy:But parenting parents is complicated, right?
They’re independent and want to stay that way, and it’s a good thing when they can!
You have to do it in very different way than you do with your kids.
It’s complex…they don’t want it.
It’s a challenge.
We are all feeling our way through.
LSD:So what would you tell women today who are facing these issues?
MS:That there is a lot of power that women aren’t using.
We need to vote for candidates who have smart platforms for helping women with elder care.
We need to involve our bosses in the multiple roles we are engaged in.
LSD:Empowerment…that is definitely what we tell women at SELF.
You want to give up the power and just feel like help is on the way!
MS:Yes, it’s daunting, but it’s also reality, so then what?
The only people who don’t understand the power women have are women.
And you’ve got the option to bring together a whole team of women, your own team.
you might work together.
You are a mother and wife and daughter and you should find women on your team.
And then empower them to help you.
Support companies that support women.
Ask: Do they have flexible work options?
Do they support paid family leave?
We call it being Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and industry.
LSD:We can all channel our personal wisdom and industriousness to make change happen.
We have the power!
To learn more about how you’re able to get involved, check outMaria’s report.
