Maria Shriver

Make History by Making Alzheimer's History

By Maria Shriver

Follow @mariashriver

I sat down with Leeza Gibbons recently for her Emmy-nominated program, My Generation, to discuss an issue we are both deeply passionate about -- Alzheimer's disease and its devastating impact on families.

The episode, Alzheimer's: A Mission to Remember, airs this week on PBS. Check your local TV listings for show times.

Leeza's special couldn't be airing at a better time. September is World Alzheimer's Month and this Friday, September 21st is Alzheimer's Action Day.

This is an important moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. I believe we are entering an extraordinary era of hope. Finally, our country has a National Alzheimer's Plan.

Science is ready to face this epidemic, and our medical researchers see a clear path to prevention and treatment.

Now we must challenge ourselves, our government and our corporations to adequately fund this effort and give our scientists and researchers the resources to end this mind-blowing disease.

We need to place defeating Alzheimer's at the top of our nation's To-Do List.

As I say in the interview, "I think we can change the course of history on this disease. I think we change the way people look at this disease. I think we can change it in terms of the funding it gets. I think we can heat up the race to find a cure. When I was at the dinner table the other night, I thought: This isn't the same disease as a year ago. Or two years ago. Or three years ago. So I think it's really exciting what's happening and what can happen."

The episode is also available for online viewing at AARP.org. Click the image below to watch.

I am so hopeful we can all be of one mind and come together to cure brain diseases and, in the process, learn more about how we live, learn and love.

Join the converastion: How has Alzheimer's disease impacted your family? How are you planning to mark Alzheimer's Action Day this year? Share your story in the comments section below.