Still Alice (novel)

Still Alice is a 2007 novel by American author Lisa Genova. The story centers on Alice Howland, a 50-year-old Harvard psychology professor, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The novel explores the progression of the disease from its initial subtle signs to its debilitating effects on Alice's memory, cognition, and independence.

The narrative is primarily told from Alice's perspective, allowing the reader to intimately experience her confusion, fear, and frustration as she struggles to cope with her declining mental abilities. Still Alice examines the impact of Alzheimer's on Alice's relationships with her husband, John, and her three adult children, Anna, Lydia, and Tom. The novel also delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease, as Alice's children face the decision of whether to be tested for the gene mutation that caused their mother's illness.

Still Alice has been praised for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of Alzheimer's disease and its profound impact on individuals and families. It highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and support in navigating the challenges of living with a neurodegenerative condition. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into numerous languages.

In 2014, Still Alice was adapted into a film starring Julianne Moore as Alice Howland. Moore won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.