David was in his early 50s when he started showing signs of dementia. Initially dismissed by his doctor because of his age, David and his wife Eva had to push to get an official diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “It was so out of left field,” said Eva. “We didn’t expect anything like that. When they told us he had younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It was shocking.” Despite having never participated in Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Eva decided she wanted to join the committee. “I enjoy being with other people. As a Walk volunteer, I’m able to connect with people who understand what I’m going through. They know what it’s like to live with someone with Alzheimer’s.” David and Eva were also faced with how to tell their then five-year-old son about his dad’s diagnosis. “Our son knows what is going to happen at the end,” said Eva. “Sometimes he’ll worry and get sad. I tell him, ‘We worry about today today and we worry about tomorrow tomorrow. Right now, Daddy is here and we should take advantage of the time we have and make memories together.’” This is why we walk. 💜 Join Eva, David and their son by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s at alz.org/Walk. #ENDALZ #Walk2EndALZ
It is anecdotes like this with so many Black and Latino families that make me wonder if there is actually a shift in the age that symptoms present for some communities. The relative risk factors for dementia are distinct in Latin America, also, which likely correlates with some differences we don’t yet appreciate in the U.S. with data on racialized and immigrant populations not being sufficiently disaggregated. We have been educating families in Houston in person and throughout the world via our newsletter and social media of the importance of vigilance for changes in memory, thinking, speech, behavior, and personality after age 50. The support we provide caregivers is distinctly person-centered, culturally fluent, and language specific and accordingly attentive to multiple intersectional disadvantages. Always looking to connect with likeminded people and endeavors! prognosUs
*Appeal to global political, government, research, social leaders* In view of THS -Traditional Healthcare Science , and our personal experience: Parkinson's disease PD Alzheimer's disease A D Dementia Paralysis Have root cause : Poor digestion, acidity, metabolic disorders. Improved toxicity in body , especially in cardiac , nerve cells. Reversal of conditions in PD, AD, Dementia, Paralysis leads to healthiness. Support, association for national PD, AD , REVERSAL Program is solicited Anil R Ghanwat GWBP 919372050214
I appreciate the family’s willingness to be vulnerable in order to help others. Courageous. All of them❤️ This also illuminates how come it is so important that we create an #Ageinformed Standard and System of Care because too often, people are accidentally under, over, or mis-diagnosed and treated due to inaccurate understandings around age. Thank you Alzheimer's Association®
Eva’s strength and dedication in the face of her husband David’s younger-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis is truly inspiring. Her decision to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee, despite the overwhelming challenges, highlights the importance of community and support. Eva's message about living in the moment and making memories is a powerful reminder for us all. Let's stand with families like theirs and work towards a future without Alzheimer’s. #ENDALZ #Walk2EndALZ #AlzheimersAwareness #SupportCaregivers
It is sad for a child at the age of five to witness the father may / may not recognise him. Hope the son and father as well as the mother able to find ways to connect with each other and bind together.
The GUIDE program may be a benefit him when he get older.. it's a Medicare program (brand new) just for those with this disease. Only qualifier is Medicare A+B and a definitive diagnosis. You get up to 83 hours of home health care at no cost.
Thank you for sharing your story. I will participate in the ALZ Walk in Monroe, NJ on September 8th.
Every day is a gift! We never know how our lives may change.
God bless you all. 🙏
Certified Nutritional Therapist
2moThe research has now shown us so much that we can intervene from a diet and lifestyle perspective to minimize the disease driving factors and slow or even reverse cognitive decline. This may give many years of relatively normal functioning life, depending on the case. We no longer need to be resigned to inevitable cognitive decline, as we do have the know how to influence it. Look at the Bredesen protocol. Sure, it takes effort, some investigations, and some dedication and support. Even if a patient cannot afford for the guidance of a therapist or FM trained doctor, they can self learn and do their best. Read Bredesen’s books to start with. They may be able to improve their brain function and slow their cognitive decline, rather than just living as usual and bidding their farewells to family and loved ones. Don’t give up. You have the capacity to influence the path.