Maria Shriver founds movement to address women's Alzheimer's research gaps

In the United States, Maria Shriver has had a diverse career spanning 69 years as a journalist, author, and media mogul, becoming particularly notable for her advocacy in Alzheimer's awareness. In 2011, after her father, Sargent Shriver, was diagnosed with this debilitating disease, she realized the stark lack of representation and research focused on women, who make up two-thirds of those diagnosed. This inspired her to establish the Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM), aiming to bring attention and funding to research concerning women's brain health. Since its inception, WAM has made significant strides in the field of Alzheimer's research, emphasizing that women's health concerns regarding the disease had previously been overlooked. Under Shriver's leadership, WAM became affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, and it has successfully secured considerable funding—$8 million in the last year alone—to further its mission. This funding is targeted at advancing research that is specifically tailored to women's unique experiences and challenges with Alzheimer's disease. In addition to WAM, in 2020, Shriver and her son Patrick co-founded Mosh, a brain-healthy protein bar company that also aims to encourage better nutrition for brain health. The product saw promising results in its first year, yielding approximately $4 million in sales, despite initial skepticism from others regarding her business venture. Both of these initiatives reflect Shriver's desire to change narratives around women's health issues, forging paths that allow women to thrive in areas previously dominated by men. Moreover, Shriver has been vocal about her own personal journey, which culminated in her upcoming book slated for release in 2024, titled 'I Am Maria.' In the book, she shares her struggles and fears about living up to her family's legacy and her belief in the importance of vulnerability in leadership roles. She asserts that embracing one's inner challenges while seeking to uplift others creates a more profound impact. Shriver encourages younger women to cherish their own life trajectories, reminding them that experiencing fulfillment and actualizing dreams is possible at any age, especially beyond 50.