Dying Slowly

I was a successful Edward Jones employee with a thriving business, helping people invest their money and prepare for the retirement of their dreams, with enough funds to make it a reality.

The unexpected beginning

One day, I was preparing for a husband and wife who were coming to my office, wanting to retire with a substantial amount of money to achieve their dreams: travel, help children, and contribute to important causes they supported. I knew them for years, and they had trusted me.

But when they walked into my office, I didn’t know who they were.

A life-altering diagnosis and the path to a better life

I forgot their names… even though I had known them for years. I forgot what I was going to show them to fulfill their dreams.

I ended up in an ambulance instead of meeting with them. That day marked the beginning of another life, one that would last forever.

I was having a transient ischemic attack (TIA). But the study of the TIA revealed that I had Alzheimer’s. I would never again work. I couldn't take care of my customers without a clear mind.

My experience with Kisunla trials

My life then began with monthly visits to Boston to take a drug infusion as part of a trial to stop Alzheimer’s. This drug is now on the market and known as Kisunla. This journey marked the beginning of my path toward maintaining a quality life with Alzheimer's.

To make a long story short… after 3 years of going into the hospital for infusions, the drug they tested on me turned out to work to stop the damage. The drug I took is now available for people with Alzheimer's, but it costs $90,000. The trial covered the cost, but what good is a drug to stop Alzheimer’s damage if you don’t have $90,000 to pay for it?

Now, 4 years later, I am living a good and whole life because of this trial drug. This drug has been instrumental in preserving my quality of life. Most people do not believe I have Alzheimer’s because outwardly I am very normal. However, the burden falls on my husband, as he has to take care of everything in our lives, since I often struggle to complete tasks I start due to my forgetfulness.

My tips for maintaining a quality life with Alzheimer’s

It is interesting that I am doing so well with Alzheimer’s, but I have followed everything I could find that I should be doing to enhance my life quality. I eat very healthily. I work out every day. I try to do puzzles, even though it is a challenge.

I have to force myself to be with people, which is difficult because I struggle with speaking, I forget people’s names, and I often forget that I've met them before.

I can fake it pretty well. I know I will die from this disease, but I am having a damn good life in the face of my disease. Maintaining a fulfilling life with Alzheimer's is possible, and I am living proof of that.