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Neurological disorders: What makes you, you?

Collage showing diverse activities: a woman writing, a man at a computer, another cycling, a mechanic working, and a couple smiling outdoors.

It is time to celebrate people beyond their neurological disorder, to ensure what makes them who they are, is never forgotten.

What Makes You, You? We all have unique qualities that make us who we are, and it is these qualities that are so important to us, our families and our friends. Neurological disorders can change or take away our unique qualities, but they do not determine who we are.

By sharing inspirational stories, we can help tackle stigma and change the conversation around people living with neurological disorders.

Elderly couple stands near a door, both focused on a phone. The woman wears glasses and a floral top, the man sports a green polo, conveying curiosity.

Besides the normal hobbies such as walking and running, I like to create new inventions such as irrigation systems.

Bernd Heisse

Living with Alzheimer’s disease for 7 years

We asked people living with neurological disorders, their families, and their carers, ‘What Makes You, You?’. Here is what they had to say.

Multiple sclerosis

Portrait of Patrick



What makes you, you: Patrick’s story
Patrick is living with multiple sclerosis. He shares that despite being diagnosed at a young age, it doesn’t stop him from chasing his cinematography dreams and aspirations.

Karolina and her baby



What makes you, you: Karolina’s story
Karolina is living with multiple sclerosis. She shares how being a mother and supporting other women helps her stay strong and determined.

Portrait of Graham



What makes you, you: Graham’s story
Graham is living with multiple sclerosis. He shares his story on how keeping healthy, cycling, and meditation helps him keep a positive mindset in his sixties.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)

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What makes you, you: Julia's story

Julia has a condition called MOG-AD, but adjusting her outlook on life has helped her to be hopeful about the future.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

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What makes you, you: Seda's story

Seda lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). She takes us through a day in her life, sharing how her advocacy work, hobbies and passions make her unique.

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What makes you, you: Nadya’s story

Nadya doesn’t allow her SMA to define her, as she makes time to pursue her passions such as painting.

Alzheimer’s disease

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What makes you, you: Helen’s story

Helen is living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and she tells us about her passion for community advocacy and how she has continued this work since her diagnosis.

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What makes you, you: Bernd’s story

Bernd lives with Alzheimer’s Disease. He tells us how despite his diagnosis he has continued to keep up his love of engineering that he has always had.

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What makes you, you: Stefan’s story

Stefan, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, is a keen hiker and cyclist. His daughter Janni tells their story and how Stefan keeps doing the activities he loves.

At Roche, our hope is to create a tomorrow where neurological disorders no longer limit human potential – to preserve what makes us who we are.

We would like to thank all the patient groups and people living with neurological disorders who partnered with Roche to create and share their stories.

[Logo] Alzheimer Europe
[Text] What Makes You, You?

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