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On The Record

'The Optimistics’: Joy in the midst of young-onset dementia

Jim Hursey, Mike Razzi, and Dennis Myers (L to R) met at a support group for people diagnosed with young-onset dementia. Richie Frieman (second from R) wrote about their friendship and how their message has inspired people living with young-onset dementia, including Glenn Smith (far R). Frieman's book is titled, "The Optimistics." Credit: Courtesy of Richie Frieman

A new book profiles people rejecting pessimism even though they face a progressive, terminal disease: younger-onset, also known as early-onset, Alzheimer’s disease.

The book is inspired by three men: Dennis Myers, Jim Hursey, and Mike Razzi. They met at a support group in Hunt Valley. After forming a deep friendship, they dubbed themselves, “The Optimistics.”

Writer Richie Frieman was inspired by their friendship. He interviewed more than seven dozen individuals diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their care partners. The result is Frieman’s new book, “The Optimistics.”

On December 3rd, Frieman will speak about his book at the Pratt Central Library in Baltimore.

In the next few weeks, the Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting three 'Walks to End Alzheimer’s': in Annapolis this Sunday; in Baltimore on October 26th; and in Salisbury on November 2nd.

Listen to our 2022 interview with the original 'Optimistics.'

Links:
YES! Young-Onset Dementia Education & Support

Sheilah Kast is the host of On The Record, Monday-Friday, 9:30-10:00 am.
Maureen Harvie is Senior Supervising Producer for On the Record. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and joined WYPR in 2014 as an intern for the newsroom. Whether coordinating live election night coverage, capturing the sounds of a roller derby scrimmage, interviewing veterans, or booking local authors, she is always on the lookout for the next story.