Dear Sarah,

I am intrigued by your post because it is a topic I didn’t know much about previously. The struggle that is Alzheimer’s disease is made even more terrifying by the fact that there seemed to be no way to deal with it. The idea that there is substantial evidence for a way to prevent this affliction can be a huge comfort.

One thing you said that stands out for me is that “participating in aerobic exercise plays a vital role towards reducing your likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia.” I think this is comforting because it shows that there may be hope for combating this disease. Even reducing the chance of obtaining Alzheimer’s is very positive news. This research could potentially lead to finding ways to help people who have started to feel the effects of Alzheimer’s and one day lead to slowing its progression.

Your post reminds me of the countless stories I have heard of Alzheimer’s taking grandparents and other loved ones from people. I have heard of parent’s forgetting their children and spouses forgetting each other. These cases are extremely painful for both the person suffering from Alzheimer’s, as it can leave them very confused and scared, and their family members who are understandably hurt.

Thanks for your post. I look forward to seeing what you write next because your posts are very interesting and insightful. They are very relevant to today’s world and are well-thought out.

There’s lots of cool potential for spinoff from this post, Sarah, particularly because the difficulties concerning elder-care and care for patients with Alzheimer’s. Whether these patients are in the care of a nursing home, at home with hired help, or at home with just family, providing this kind of care is often difficult, strenuous, and costly. Prevention through physical activity is a key piece in easing some of the burden off of elderly care.

Have you done any reading on the gut micro-biome? Particularly correlations between diet, bacteria in the intestines, and myriad health conditions ranging from mental health, diseases like Crohn’s and colitis, and even certain cancers. A blog on this topic could be a really cool follow-up to this piece!

Dear Sarah,

I am intrigued by your post because I really liked the way you addressed this topic. You fully explored vulnerability in a variety of settings and relationships, some of which involve new dynamics that have never been experienced before in relationships on a wide scale.

One thing you said that stands out for me is: “ By overcoming the risks associated with vulnerability and by viewing vulnerability as a positive emotion, colleagues are able to emotionally connect, even if they are physically distant in each of their homes.” I think this is interesting because it shows how in a time of distance people are still finding ways to be close and work together. In spite of the unfamiliar isolation, people are finding new ways to connect and persevere with what has to get done. Also, I found it interesting how you said to view vulnerability positively. It usually is discussed in an uncomfortable light, with people trying to avoid it at all costs. Changing this view can be essential to maintaining relationships, both in normal conditions and in our current, more restricted world.

Your post reminds me of something that happened to me. In May, my family and I were supposed to attend a family reunion. We haven’t had one in about ten years, so there was many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles that I was looking forward to seeing, but because of the COVID pandemic we had to cancel our plans. One of my cousins and I decided to use Zoom together instead, and since then have started to communicate more on a regular basis. It has helped us find a way to connect outside of the ordinary and to form a better relationship than we may have otherwise had.

Thanks for your project. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I really liked your perspective on this issue. You were very thorough in expressing your thoughts on this topic.