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I have been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s for several years now, and I want to publicaly thank my wife Jeanne, and our kids (step-children to me) for their support. I do not express my feelings often, and this was the case before the Alzheimer’s, but I feel the need to make a definitive statement to my wife, children, and grandchildren. They are all a major factor in my ability to have a “normal” life – their support and positive reactions have been a blessing . . . and I know there are times when I am frustrated, and I hope I do not react negatively when this happens, but I suppose this does happen from time to time. I treasure my early retirement, as my wife and I were able to retire about the same time, so, there can be a positive thing in what is certainly a negative event (Alzheimer’s). I do forget things from time to time, usually short term things at this point. However, I do remember the rosary, so I can recite them from memory without a problem – a gift from God. I thank my family, and I hope my frustration with the Alzheimer’s is not confused with anger or frustration with any person around me. ALL of my family is a salve to soften the impact of this disease, and with accelerating research to curb this disease, I am hopeful that the symptoms can be halted and, better yet, rolled back. Again, I thank you all: Jeanne, Gina, Suzanne, Michael, Jennifer, Liz, and the grandkids (not to mention the two great-grandchildren!).

I wish my employer was so empathetic . . . I was a computer systems analyst in a major Chicago area hospital (in Lake Forest), and, when the symptoms impacted me, I went to the Rush Alzheimer’s Center in Chicago and they were a huge blessing. In the first of two required tests, they stated that I did show definite Alzheimer’s symptoms but they could only make a provisional diagnosis, and the definite diagnosis could not be made until a second testing in six months from the first test. Shortly after the first test, my employer fired me stating that my memory issues were a performance issue and not a disease as a final diagnosis was not given as the second test had yet to be taken. I lost all benefits and was escorted out of the hospital by security. I suppose they consider Alzheimer’s to be a crime.

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