New Documentary Gives Inside Look at Alzheimer's

May 6, 2009 — -- When her father was diagnosed six years ago with Alzheimer's disease, California first lady Maria Shriver learned firsthand just how devastating it can be.

"At the age of 93, my dad still goes to Mass every day. And believe it or not, he still remembers the Hail Mary. But he doesn't remember me, Maria. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that still makes me cry. "

Shriver has become so passionate about the issue that she even testified before congress. Afterward, she said her office was inundated with letters from people who could relate to what's happening to her family and her father, Sargent Shriver.

Now, the author and journalist is giving others the opportunity to get the same look at the disease with her documentary "The Alzheimer's Project."

Shriver, who executive produced the program that will air on HBO beginning May 10, hopes to reach a broad audience.

Watch Maria Shriver live on "Good Morning America" Thursday as she talks about "The Alzheimer's Project."

The four-part series will tackle topics like memory loss, living with Alzheimer's disease and the science of finding a cure.

Someone gets Alzheimer's disease every 70 seconds and, currently, 5.3 million people in the United States live with the condition, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

The fight to learn more about the disease and pinpoint a cure has become more fevered as a bevy of baby boomers quickly march toward their senior years. It all adds up to a heavy burden on the health care system.

The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias to Medicaid and Medicare amounts to more than $148 billion annually, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

The financial burden also falls to those caring for an Alzheimer's patient.