12101 Clarksville Pike

Clarksville, MD 21029
September 18, 2019

Alzheimer’s Association,

Hello, my name is Aiai Calmer and I am a sophomore attending an Independent Research class
at River Hill High School. I have recently figured out the general topic that I want to research
heavily into for my class: child abuse and its connection to both PTSD and Alzheimer’s. Because
of your extensive knowledge on child psychiatry and PTSD, I would very much appreciate it if
you were to share some more in-depth knowledge of the topics.

First, let me tell you why I chose to go down this path. Growing up, I was always very fascinated
with PTSD and Alzheimer’s. I have had a very personal connection to both neurological
disorders, so when I finally had the chance to research into them and create a final product out of
the research, I jumped at the opportunity. When I really dove into both topics, I found a common
linkage: child abuse, whether it be sexual, physical, or mental. This piqued my interest further.

Alzheimer’s and PTSD are two very complex, but not entirely different disorders. With the same
history of child abuse that they share, there are a few defining characteristics such as memory
repression seen in both Alzheimer’s and PTSD. Over the past month that I have been
researching, I have discovered amazing new research and upcoming plans for clinical trials that
rely on the two disorders’ relations. Currently, I’m struggling with going more in-depth on a
molecular level based research outline. I’ve been interested in how to treat both disorders
through drugs and comparing the disorders’ similarities and differences. A psychiatrist, like you,
would well understand both sides and I hope that you can give me ideas on a specific branch of
my topic to pursue.
Please consider helping me navigate through my initial research ideas. My email address is
a_calmer@hotmail.com​ .

Thank you,

Aiai Calmer