Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - 30

30
M
and I have always been
straightforward with
each other. This is not
the fi rst hard thing
that has happened to
us, but of course the
Alzheimer's diagnosis
changed our relationship.
I'm the one who
is watching for changes
and anticipating what
FALL 2021 VIM & VIGOR
y mother had Alzheimer's
disease and passed away in
her 80s, so it wasn't unfamiliar
to me when I got
the diagnosis.
My wife, Ellen, was
the one to fi rst notice
changes in my cognition
and behavior. She saw
changes in my shortterm
memory, increased irritability, trouble
concentrating and diffi culty processing new
information. (Alzheimer's is a progressive
disease that destroys memory and other
mental functions.)
When I found out in 2018, our fi rst two
calls were to our health insurer and a fi nancial
planner. Right from the get-go, I read books
to help me interpret what I was experiencing
aſt er we were handed the diagnosis.
Next, I felt it was important to speak to
each of my fi ve children directly.
Within weeks, I took the time to drive
or fl y to where they lived and give them an
opportunity to ask questions. I thought that
was benefi cial for all of us. I wanted them
to see there's nothing to hide and there's no
shame. People get sick, and things happen-
this should be a natural conversation. Once
they knew, they all wanted to be involved in
my care and aware of what was going on. It
was reassuring.
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE
Alzheimer's does not yet have a cure, and the
progression of the disease is unique to the
individual. My doctor is encouraged by how
I'm responding cognitively, but no one can
guarantee a better outcome.
I learned that the most important thing
I can do for myself is exercise. While I know
exercise and diet can't cure Alzheimer's,
research suggests that adopting healthy
lifestyle habits like these may help reduce
cognitive decline-it's no diff erent for any
other 71-year-old.
Staying healthy is high on my list. As a
person living with Alzheimer's, I want to
do everything in my power to help reduce
my risk.
I make it a point to go to the gym at least
fi ve times a week. I focus on cardio to really
work up a sweat. It clears the fog, and I always
feel better aſt er exercise. I usually go on a
stationary bike or stair climber, and I'm doing
A Partner's Perspective:
Ellen Gibson on Caring for Her Husband
We retired in the beginning
of 2016. After time, I
felt Gary had more than
the usual amount of forgetting,
and he wasn't
able to process information
like normal. I spoke
with a close friend of
ours who is also a physician.
He told me right
away: Please consider
getting Gary evaluated.
As a couple, Gary
might need to happen.
There's a lot more on my
shoulders, and it's with
me every step of the
way. I want to always be
respectful and to honor
Gary and do whatever I
can on a practical level.
The commitment that
we have in our marriage
is strong. My standard of
care for him is thinking
about how I would want
to be treated.
We've been careful
due to the pandemic but
have continued seeing
our children and grandchildren
whenever possible.
We've done bike
trips around our home
in Michigan and have
gone to Maine. We are
out and about enjoying
As a caregiver, I
also seek out my
own sources of
support. I'm making
dates with
my girlfriends
on a regular
basis. I try to
see at least
three people
a week so I'm
having my own
relationships. I'm
working very hard
at that.
our life as we always
have. The underlying
philosophy is to enjoy
the day, live in the day
and take it one day at
a time.

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021

Contents
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - Cover1
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - Cover2
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - Contents
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - 2
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - 3
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - 4
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Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - Cover3
Vim & Vigor - Fall 2021 - Cover4
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