By James Chen

It comes as no surprise that in today’s fast-paced society and news-filled days that we tend to forget some of the minor details. “What did I have for lunch?” “What time was I supposed to pick up your sister?”

But fast forward, and suddenly things are more confusing. You are not quite sure where you are or what is going on. Worst of all, you just cannot remember.

Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent among 40 percent of people 80 years and older. In America alone, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million. That’s why I did my senior project on the issue.

I got the chance to join my mentor, Dr. Yong Zhou, and other members in Dr. Leroy Hood’s Lab at the Institute for Systems Biology and assist with clinical lab work involving Alzheimer’s disease research. While it is important that scientific advancements be made, it is also important to make efforts in patient care for those who already have Alzheimer’s.

Over the past few months I have been working with Alzheimer’s patients at Overlake Terrace in Redmond and have become very fond of them. I feel almost helpless that I cannot make everything better, but it means that I work harder in other areas.

My first day volunteering is still a clear memory for me. I remember one resident who immediately latched onto me and kept talking to me in incoherent sentences. As the weeks progressed, I gradually became more comfortable around the residents and learned to understand them.

One of my biggest fears was asking them or talking to them in a way that they would find offensive. I often had to talk very loudly and slowly, which is not always the nicest way to talk to someone.

In the beginning, we were all strangers. But now, they recognize me. They may not know my name or even their own name, but when they see my face and my smile, their eyes light up and they wave. It is a connection that can only be described by experiencing it, and to have established relationships with the residents makes me feel very appreciative.

While I volunteered, I also decided to get creative and implement some of my own ideas. I created an interactive and colorful game called “Remembering Food,” filled with pictures of fruits. This kind of activity helps train physical senses, social senses, emotional senses, memory and puts the resident in a happier mood. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and joy that I can connect with the residents and express my compassion.

James Chen is a senior at International School in Bellevue. He will be attending Carnegie Mellon University in the fall.