Baltimore, MD (June, 2009) - Alzheimer's self-advocate and Health Professions Press (HPP) author Richard Taylor, Ph.D., will be honored with the Pioneer Network's 2009 Carter Williams Legacy Award in August, 2009. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's 8 years ago, Dr. Taylor uses writing as a way to cope with the disease, raise awareness about it, and maintain control in his own life. A collection of his evocative essays, Alzheimer's from the Inside Out, was published by Health Professions Press (2007).

Sharing thoughts, fears, frustrations, and questions about his slow transformation and deterioration, Dr. Taylor addresses the difficult issues faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and educates the public about this widely misunderstood disease. "I have discovered that thinking, speaking, and writing about what it is like for me to live with this condition has become the purpose of my life," says Dr. Taylor. There are few resources like Taylor's book, which offers a rare insider's view on Alzheimer's rather than the usual outsider view from caregivers and professionals.

The Carter Williams Legacy Award recognizes Dr. Taylor's pioneering advocacy to bring a voice to people living with Alzheimer's disease. He has become a powerful spokesperson for Alzheimer's through his book, regular speaking engagements, and an extensive online presence with his own website, chat rooms, and a monthly e-newsletter. This is the latest in a string of awards for Dr. Taylor, whose book has been acclaimed by caregivers and health professionals. Alzheimer's from the Inside Out earned the 2007 Book of the Year Award (in Consumer Health) from American Journal of Nursing and was the Bronze Winner in the National Mature Media Awards (2007). Dr. Taylor also recently (April 2009) received the prestigious John Mackey Award for Excellence in Dementia Care from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The Pioneer Network, which advocates for person-directed care in long-term care, established The Carter Williams Legacy Award to recognize those making a difference in creating a new culture of eldercare and aging. Commenting about Dr. Taylor's award, Pioneer Network's Executive Director Bonnie Kantor says, "He is truly making a difference in the way we think about long-term care and caring . . . . We look forward to partnering with Richard to ensure that all elders are able to direct their own lives wherever they call home." The Carter Williams Legacy Award will be presented at the Pioneer Network's 9th national conference, held August 12-14 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Taylor will be speaking at the opening plenary session on August 13.