This semester, I learned about the background of Alzheimer's, the evolution of the disease, how it relates to Fatal Famial Insomnia, how prions, genetics, and model organisms play a role, and in a more general sense, the importance of grid computing. I have witnessed first hand, with my grandmother, the effects this disease can have on an individual and her family. Through an interview with my mother, her caregiver, I saw that every case of Alzheimer's is different, every story unique. It takes great patience and understanding to care for those with this heartbreaking disease. I am happy to have contributed, even in a small way, to research in this field. Grid computing is a simple, but significant way to help combat diseases. I highly encourage participation in grid computing. I contributed 544.89 units of work to the neugrid. It is a new grid-based research e-Infrastructure that gives neuroscientists support in tackling degenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Dr Frisoni, the head of the Neuroimaging Laboratory in Fatebenefratelli institute , said: 'There is still no biomarker showing whether a drug works or not. Grid-computing can aim at developing markers which are based on images, such as the progressive cortical shrinking during ageing. This will allow people to monitor the progression of the disease and thus the effectiveness of a drug, significantly reducing the number of patients to be followed, on a shorter period of time.' [3]
