Great Grams inspires teen to hunt for Alzheimer's cure

Gabriella Corvese, Special to CNN

Updated 1524 GMT (2324 HKT) June 25, 2015

Max Wallack says he always had a close relationship with his great-grandmother, Gertrude Finkelstein.
Photos: Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's
Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's – Max Wallack says he always had a close relationship with his great-grandmother, Gertrude Finkelstein.
Hide Caption
1 of 5
But when Wallack was 6, Finkelstein -- Great Grams, as he called her -- was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The youngster became one of her caregivers.
Photos: Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's
Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's – But when Wallack was 6, Finkelstein -- Great Grams, as he called her -- was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The youngster became one of her caregivers.
Hide Caption
2 of 5
Wallack's experience caring for his great-grandmother inspired him to start doing lab work for Alzheimer's research when he was 15.
Photos: Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's
Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's – Wallack's experience caring for his great-grandmother inspired him to start doing lab work for Alzheimer's research when he was 15.
Hide Caption
3 of 5
Wallack is a junior studying neuroscience at Boston University. After graduation, he wants to attend medical school.
Photos: Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's
Young caregiver's experience with Alzheimer's – Wallack is a junior studying neuroscience at Boston University. After graduation, he wants to attend medical school.
Hide Caption
4 of 5