In an interview with Everyday Health published this November, Academy Award–winning actor Julianne Moore argues that Alzheimer’s disease is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
Moore campaigns for early cognitive awareness, drawing on her extensive research for her role in the film Still Alice.
Before filming the 2014 drama, Moore lacked awareness of the condition.
The filmmakers deliberately wrote her character, Alice Howard, to be 50 years old. That choice targeted the public misconception that cognitive decline only affects the elderly.
“Before I made the movie, I didn’t really have awareness of the disease,” Moore told Everyday Health. “I learned so much about Alzheimer’s and spoke to so many people who were in different stages of the disease.”
Working alongside Eli Lilly for the Brain Health Matters initiative, Moore urges individuals of all generations to actively look after their mental wellness and consult physicians regarding any shifts in memory or thought patterns.
Diet, physical activity, consistent sleep schedules, and active socialization protect neurological function over decades.
“There are so many things that contribute to good brain health and protect it,” Moore told Everyday Health. “Diet, exercise, sleep, socialization, stimulation — all of these things affect our cognitive health.”
- Beyond Aging: Alzheimer’s disease is a disease, which is important for people to see.
- Lifestyle Modifiers: Diet, exercise, sleep, socialization, stimulation — all of these things affect our cognitive health.
- Proactive Screening: Advising people to bring up potential risk factors or request assessments during standard medical checkups is a priority for me. This is not something that should be ignored. This should be part of your holistic health plan.
During long film shoots, Moore noticed a direct connection between physical exhaustion, nutritional intake, and mental acuity. Simple interventions like eating a meal restored her focus and verbal recall on set.
Challenging neural pathways requires novel activities rather than routine tasks.
“Socialization is often overlooked,” Moore told Everyday Health. “Being around other people, planning activities, and filling your life with that kind of rapport, response, and engagement is incredibly important for your cognitive health.”
The Everyday Health interview outlines how artistic preparation transformed into long-term public health advocacy.
- Alzheimer’s Association: Younger/Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
- CaringKind: Programs & Services
- Alzheimers.gov: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
- National Institute on Aging: What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Cleveland Clinic: Alzheimer’s Disease Stages
