Millions of Americans are rightfully terrified of Alzheimer’s disease.They have witnessed its devastating impact on their families and friends.
But we, five patients from different corners of the country, offer our stories to bring hope to others.We reclaimed our lives from this devastating disease by getting diagnosed early enough to benefit from new anti-amyloid treatments.Our lives show these new treatments can slow progression and add meaningful time.Like millions of Americans, we followed expert guidelines to reduce the risk of cognitive decline: exercising regularly, following healthy diets, staying mentally and socially active, and building lives around serving our families and communities.I WAS A DOCTOR CARING FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS.
AT 57, I BECAME ONE.HERE’S WHAT’S NEXTAnd still, Alzheimer’s came for us.Disease prevention is a critical piece of the fight against Alzheimer’s.
And yet, lifestyle measures alone did not prevent our decline.Disease prevention is a critical piece of the fight against Alzheimer’s.And yet, lifestyle measures alone did not prevent our decline.
(iStock)Each of us was diagnosed early enough for one of the new anti-amyloid treatments to become an option.These treatments work best when initiated early.
We knew they were not cures, but rather an opportunity to slow the disease enough to preserve the moments, independence and relationships that make life meaningful.NEWT GINGRICH: ALZHEIMER’S IS WAGING A WAR ON MILLIONS.CONGRESS COULD HELP US WIN ITFor us, treatment has been a lifeline.I, Brent Beasley, am a retired internal medicine physician.
When I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it helped explain the lapses that led my employer to terminate me before anyone understood what was happening in my brain.With treatment, I went from losing control of my daily routine to once again serving as a deacon at my church, working as an advocate for patients with the disease, and teaching medical students about compassionat...