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Featured Alzheimer Fest: New Ways of Communicating Disease in a Complex Society
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Giulia Alonzo
The research explores the intersection between cultural festivals and Alzheimer’s disease, examining whether these seemingly disparate realms can converge. Festivals are public celebrations that foster community and shared experiences, as articulated by Richards (2017) and supported by the concept of collective mental states described by Giannini (2020). This study investigates whether an Alzheimer Festival can serve as a platform for enhancing understanding and reducing stigma surrounding the disease. The theoretical framework integrates Event Studies, emphasizing how festivals can create communal bonds (Getz 2009; Alonzo & Ponte di Pino 2021), and theories related to the communication of illness. Previous studies indicate that caregivers often experience isolation and loneliness due to the stigma associated with Alzheimer's (Hung et al. 2021; Bolland et al. 2015). The research seeks to determine if a festival focused on Alzheimer's can shift narratives and foster community among caregivers. Methodologically, the study will employ an ethnographic approach featuring participant observation and semi-structured interviews, with data collection occurring between September and October 2024. Ultimately, the research seeks to answer several critical questions: Can festivals change social representations and combat stigma? Is the festival a venue for advocacy? What roles do various participants play, and how might their interactions at the festival influence caregivers' well-being post-event? This study contributes to an understanding of how festivals can impact the communication of serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s, facilitating connections and support within affected communities.
Writing as a Wellness Practice: Reflective Strategies for Emotional Resilience and Connection
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Heather Martin
Studies have shown that expressive writing supports both mental and physical health, with benefits ranging from reduced stress to improved immune function. The paper extends that research by exploring writing as a wellness practice in diverse community settings. Drawing on empirical and practice-based research, I reflect on insights gleaned through writing workshops facilitated in nonclinical settings with emergency first responders, K–12 teachers, older adults, and university students among others. Findings situate writing as both a private and communal act that supports emotional regulation, meaning-making, and social connection. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, I share practical learnings and participant perspectives that emerged across varied contexts. In dialogue with extant research in psychology and public health, this work engages perspectives informed by writing studies, highlighting the role of narrative, voice, and audience in the wellness potential of a writing practice. The study also addresses ethical considerations and adaptive strategies for bringing these practices into educational and community environments. Ultimately, I argue that writing-based wellness practices can meaningfully strengthen community wellbeing—especially when grounded in lived experience, relational intelligence, and the transformative power of storytelling.
