This series features individuals who are affected by neurodegenerative diseases, such as patients and their family members, as well as healthcare workers and advocates who are involved in care and support.
Our goals are to:
1. Share personal narratives to increase understanding and compassion.
2. Destigmatize neurodegenerative disease and deconstruct misconceptions.
3. Equip viewers with resources and strategies for supporting those impacted by neurodegenerative disease.
If you are interested in participating in this interview series, please contact us at ubcsynapse@gmail.com
At the height of his international recording and touring career, Billy was diagnosed with Focal Dystonia, a neuromuscular disorder that rendered him unable to play his own music. He began retraining himself to play left-handed, ultimately developing a tapping style. Billy went on to appear on Billboard’s Top Ten Chart and win an Emmy award, and is now an ambassador for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
Emily has worked as a genetic counsellor at the UBC Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders (UBCH CARD) since 2001 and has provided information and support to hundreds of families from across BC who are affected by Alzheimer disease (AD) and other memory disorders. In addition to her clinical work, Emily is involved in research as well as teaching.
Dr. Sherri Hayden provides neuropsychological assessment and care for patients with neuro-cognitive issues related to neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, chemotherapy, cerebrovascular factors, and psychiatric issues. In addition, she offers psychological support to patients with neurodegenerative conditions and for children/teens of parents diagnosed with dementia.
Naomi is a PhD student studying neuro-immunology in the Osborne and Horwitz Labs at UBC. She completed her BSc at UBC in honours Microbiology and Immunology. Naomi’s research project aims to study the immunological changes that occur following various microbial, viral, and helminthic exposures, and how these changes may alter susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.
