When I was young, I remember thinking the two worst diseases anyone could have were ALS and Alzheimer’s. Little did I know that I’d have the privilege of being part of the journeys with both these diseases with people I love.
I learned so much about living in the two years my friend, Craig, was living with ALS. And now, since my Mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I’m again reminded how important it is to live each day with joy and without regret.
Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Doesn’t Stop Glen Campbell
The other day a friend sent me a YouTube video of Glen Campbell singing “Wichita Lineman.” I was curious about Glen Campbell’s story. When I checked his Wikipedia page, I saw that he’d died from Alzheimer’s in 2017.
After his diagnosis, he went on his final tour – which included 151 concerts. His family made a documentary to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s Disease. What a hero he was. Not only was he a musical genius, but with his courage to carry on and continue sharing his gifts despite his diagnosis.
Hope for the Future of Alzheimer’s
Even before Mom’s diagnosis, I was very interested in brain health and interviewed Baroness Susan Greenfield on my podcast. That was over 5 years ago, and there was cautious optimism about new drugs.
Since Mom’s diagnosis, I’ve immersed myself in learning everything I can about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and brain health.
The progress over the past few years has been encouraging. Scientists have developed biomarkers that can identify risk much earlier than before. New medications are beginning to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s for some people. Researchers continue to deepen our understanding of the disease, and growing evidence suggests that lifestyle choices—including exercise, sleep, nutrition, social connection, and lifelong learning—may help reduce our risk and promote healthier brains.
We Can All Join the Fight
I’ve also become more involved with the Alzheimer’s Association through education and volunteer opportunities. The more I learn, the more convinced I become that brain health matters for everyone—not just those who are at risk or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Whether or not dementia ever touches our families personally, we all have a stake in protecting our brains and supporting the scientists, caregivers, and advocates working toward a world without this disease.
Together—through research, education, healthy living, compassion, and hope—we just might defeat Alzheimer’s.
Hand to heart, Yvette (and love the library book use!)
. . . and preach!
“The more I learn, the more convinced I become that brain health matters for everyone—not just those who are at risk or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Whether or not dementia ever touches our families personally, we all have a stake in protecting our brains and supporting the scientists, caregivers, and advocates working toward a world without this disease.”
New to me is I did not know this about Glen Campbell. In fact, my Mom and I have been doing some tidying of her place (what to keep, donate, recycle, landfill) and among her albums – several Glen Campbell. AND my brother and I grew up listening to his music and like-kind because of my parents.
My Mom has cognitive issues at 92 years old, lives indepedently at home, and for now seems to get along well. However, I am aware things will change – and it may be sooner than later, unpredictable yet inevitable. And while you are much more ahead of me in this space of brain health information, I have been on my journey of slowly but surely and patiently learning the caregiving aspects.
Love you!
As always, I so appreciate you and your wisdom, Shirley. Wishing you and your Mom many healthy and happy days ahead. Though my Mom’s memory is declining, I’m creating wonderful new memories of my own with her. And even though she won’t remember these recent visits, I see how much she thrives “in the moment” when we’re together. I’m so grateful in the progress that’s being made, not only for those who are diagnosed, but for the family’s and caregivers.