EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only leading cause of death that is on the increase year to year. Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s is an enormous challenge, one that some 16 million Americans will face in 2020. In a special episode that is sometimes moving, sometimes funny, and always informative, we talk with actors and comedians Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen about their experience as caregivers to Lauren’s parents. In our wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the role of humor in caregiving, tips for good brain health, and the important support programs developed by Hilarity for Charity (HFC), the Alzheimer foundation started by Lauren and Seth.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This podcast contains strong language

GUESTS: LAUREN MILLER ROGEN AND SETH ROGEN 

Lauren Miller Rogen is a screenwriter, director, producer, dog lover, and philanthropist, whose life has been touched many times over by Alzheimer’s. In 2012—when Lauren’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at just 55 years old— Lauren, still in her twenties, co-founded HFC to activate the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates. Since then, Lauren and the HFC team have brought significant awareness to Alzheimer’s, raising over $12 million and awarding over 290,000 hours of in-home care to families all while using humor and hope to engage people. Her dedication to sharing her personal story and using humor as a form of advocacy has left an indelible impact on the Alzheimer’s space.

Since 2013, Lauren has served as the Alzheimer’s patient advocate on the board of California’s Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). She also sits on the California Alzheimer’s Task Force. In 2012, Lauren starred in, co-wrote, and produced the film For A Good Time Call, which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. She made her feature-length directorial debut in 2018 with the “dramedy” Like Father, a film she wrote and which starred Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer. If there is one thing Lauren wants people to remember, it’s that Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to be sad or scary when you’re fighting against it. You can come to an HFC event and have fun, but also do something for Alzheimer’s.

Seth Rogen is an actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose films and TV projects have had an impressive impact on popular culture and box office returns. As an actor, his films have grossed over $930 million worldwide and as a filmmaker, his global box office success exceeds $850 million. Alongside longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, Rogen produces film and television projects through their production company, Point Grey Pictures. Seth is also a co-founder and board member of HFC, a leading national advocate dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change, and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care, research, and support.

• • WeAreHFC.org