We are proud to recognize our good friend, Cristina Carlino, who has been with the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement since the very beginning and has donated generously to women-based research.
We recently asked Cristina–founder and creator of the cosmetic company Philosophy and author of “The Changing Room”–three questions about her dedication to WAM.
Q. Do you have any family members or loved ones who have or had Alzheimer’s/dementia? If so, how did that impact you?
Our grandfather was diagnosed with dementia after suffering a stroke. I’ve also had multiple friends impacted by parents who have been diagnosed. It’s a devastating diagnosis for the person and the family, not to mention those in charge of caregiving. There is an overemphasis on caring for our hearts when in fact there should be the same exact attention, if not more, paid to our brain health.
Q. You’ve been such a great supporter of WAM. What would you like people to know about this organization and why do you feel it’s important to be part of the WAM community?
WAM changed my life. The first time I ever attended an event it was truly an awakening to the idea that the disease creeps up decades before it is fully expressed. I thought about all the conversations with friends who complained about poor memory function after menopause. It was time to pay attention, very close attention, to what WAM had to say. I learned about making more proactive choices to better protect my brain using multiple suggestions relative to diet, exercise, meditation, and brain games. I feel VERY strongly that women of every age need to be part of the WAM movement. Brain health begins the day we take our first steps. I really believe what I’ve learned from WAM is its never too early or too late to cherish and care for our brain health.
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to invest in women-based Alzheimer’s research?
The time has come for true equality when it comes women’s health. This is especially true for us when it comes to Alzheimer’s. There are not enough words in the dictionary to express my gratitude to Maria Shriver and Team WAM for leading this charge for us. WAM is pushing for change on every level while educating us all on the preventative measures we must consider to better navigate this dreaded disease.
Cristina Carlino is a poet, social entrepreneur, and the founder and creator of philosophy, one of the most beloved brands in the cosmetic industry. Her book, The Changing Room: A Mother’s Journal of Gratitude to Her Little Girl, is available on amazon.com.