Dr. Edward Shaw, an oncologist at Wake Forest Baptist, had his life turned upside down in 2007. That's when his late wife, Rebecca, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Though great medical care was available, there were no family support programs for those with dementia and their care partners.
Dr. Shaw left his position as a medical doctor and brain researcher to earn a graduate counseling degree at Wake Forest University. In 2011, with the help of Wake Forest Baptist Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, he created the Memory Counseling Program. The program is part of the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention.
Today, the growing program offers support to thousands of patient with dementia and their family members every year.
