At BrainTest, we often touch on the latest research and scientific discoveries in order to help guide you towards proactive, healthy decisions.<\/p>\n
With that being said, it’s important that we do not lose touch of the more human side associated with this degenerative disease \u2014 which is what I’d like to touch on today.<\/p>\n
We often report the statistics, but when it all boils down, these are peoples lives that we’re discussing. Whether a mom, a grandfather, or even a son is experiencing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, it’s a frightening and taxing experience for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
Originally reported by Good Housekeeping<\/a>, a young family went through something unimaginable.<\/p>\n A devoted teacher, husband, and father, Jason began to display odd symptoms in his 30s. It’s a heartbreaking story, one in which everyone should read.<\/p>\n I think one of the most impactful aspects of this personal story, is the opening paragraph. As the wife explains, \u201cIf she would’ve known that she’d lose pieces of her husband each day, she would have loved him more, treasured those moments… but she just didn’t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Reflecting on their past, like many couples, they experienced a magical beginning. Romance and beautiful memories, all locked within photographs taken years prior. After getting married and having two healthy twins, everything seemed like a dream. They would eventually go on to have four healthy children.<\/p>\n In 2009, Jason started to act different. For eight years, he had worked as a teacher and adored his job \u2014 but just like that, he wanted to quit. Wanting to support his decision, his wife helped him focus on new goals and career objectives.<\/p>\n After trying his hand at a few different jobs, Jason wanted to join their town’s police department, and that’s when his challenges became more and more apparent. For years, he was a coach, a loved teacher, an attentive dad and husband, but then the unthinkable happened.<\/p>\n Jason couldn’t seem to keep his schedule straight, forgetting when and where he was expected. He had already quit the police department at this point, and in 2012, when Jason couldn’t manage to put the Christmas lights up, he yelled out in frustration. He couldn’t seem to understand what was happening to him.<\/p>\n With turmoil in their marriage, the couple saw a counselor. After Jason’s wife told the therapist what had been happening in private, he recommended that they go see a neuropsychologist. From there, they visited a neurologist, who administered more than a dozen tests.<\/p>\n After examining his records, just like that, Jason’s wife was informed \u2014 based on the brain images, her husband’s symptoms were consistent with Alzheimer’s. It wouldn’t take long for his condition to deteriorate, needing more and more attention.<\/p>\n Slowly but surely, Jason lost the ability to care for himself. Bathing and tending to Jason was challenging, but the day that Jason couldn’t remember his wife’s name or the names of his children, certainly stood out for this young family.<\/p>\n As he became sicker, the toll was too much on his children. That was when Jason went into a long-term care facility, where the children would visit him once or twice a week. As his wife explained, she could still make him laugh \u2014 and when she’d give him a look or a nudge, he’d smile.<\/p>\n Just reading this young family’s story brings tears to your eyes. Whether you’re currently experiencing the effects of younger-onset Alzheimer’s or simply want to learn more about this disease, it’s important to read these personal stories.<\/p>\n Each and every family is unique, but at the root of it all, we all experience the same hardships and emotions \u2014 the type of feelings that are associated with a loss.<\/p>\n You may be thinking, how can someone so young be affected \u2014 am I at risk?<\/em><\/p>\nWhere to Go From Here?<\/b><\/h1>\n