Increasing public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is the goal of two free screenings of “The Genius of Marian” (right), featured at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, and a presentation by leading Alzheimer’s researcher and chair of the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Research Consortium, Rudy Tanzi, Ph.D. Both events are co-sponsored through Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (CAF) and will take place January 14 and 15 at The Lyric Theater and Willoughby Golf Club, respectively.

Co-Founder of CAF Phyllis Rappaport, who is a resident of Stuart, member of Willoughby Golf Club, and friend of The Lyric, played a key role in getting both events underway.

“Martin County is lucky to have the Lyric Theatre generously feature a terrific documentary on one of the biggest issues of our time,” says Rappaport. “Furthermore, by inviting Dr. Tanzi to speak, Willoughby Golf Club is bringing attention to the world class, cutting-edge research that is driving us one step closer to a cure for Alzheimer’s.”

Taking a detailed look at the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, CAF will spotlight Alzheimer’s from the perspectives of the patient, family and researcher beginning with two free screenings of “The Genius of Marian” at The Lyric Theatre on January 14 at 11am and 2pm. The documentary intimately shows the early stages of Alzheimer’s as the filmmaker and his family help his mother, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, to finish writing a book in tribute to her late mother and famous painter, Marian Williams Steele. Immediately following the film will be a Q & A with Rappaport and David Shenk, advisor to the film and senior advisor to CAF.

“Giving attention to Alzheimer’s disease and finding a cure should be important to all of us, and we are happy to support Cure Alzheimer’s Fund,” said John Loesser, executive director of The Lyric Theatre.

Providing a different perspective on the disease, Tanzi will be featured as the keynote speaker for Willoughby Golf Club’s Second Annual Wellness Day Luncheon, discussing his work that may lead to a comprehensive understanding of the causes of Alzheimer’s and possible interventions toward a cure. His presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

“The members of Willoughby Golf Club are thrilled to have Dr. Tanzi as our keynote speaker for Willoughby Wellness Day,” said Michele Reilly, executive director of Willoughby Golf Club. “So many of us have been impacted in some way by this disease and we want to better understand what is happening in terms of research, intervention and treatment.”

While both screenings at The Lyric are free, Tanzi’s presentation will be $35 and will include lunch. Both events require a reservation.