Hope in Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s View on the Present and Future

After being a caregiver for over two decades, I've felt the strong emotions that come with every tough moment.

When my husband, Harvey, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 58, our world unraveled. The life we built -- our personal dreams and our professional ambitions -- vanished overnight. As the disease progressed, so did Harvey’s paranoia and agitation. The brilliant, commanding man I had known became someone lost in confusion, sometimes fearful, sometimes angry. I had to learn, in real time, how to manage his unpredictable behavior while mourning the man I was losing.

After Harvey's diagnosis years ago, I focused on learning about his care and treatment options. As a caregiver, you know your loved one well. You can offer important insights to advocate for their care. Staying informed about new treatments is important. It helps make sure your loved one gets the best care tailored to their needs.

In this blog, you can learn about the latest treatments and educate yourself on caregiver resources that are available to you.

Being a caregiver is a sacrifice that takes a physical, emotional, and mental toll. It’s important to remember there are resources available to support you, even in the moments when you feel alone.

It can be difficult to carve out time for yourself, but addressing your own physical, mental, and emotional health needs is necessary to prevent burnout. Whether it’s seeking respite care, joining a support group, or simply taking a short walk each day, finding ways to recharge helps sustain both you and your loved one's health.

Since Harvey’s diagnosis in 1997, the scientific field has taken enormous strides in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. New advancements towards diagnosing Alzheimer’s early allow patients and families to emotionally process, plan ahead financially[CH1] , access treatments sooner, and make important decisions about care. Tools like blood-based biomarker testing and digital cognitive assessments are making earlier diagnosis easier and more affordable.

At the forefront of treatment, new therapies like Lecanemab and Donanemab are attempting to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. These treatments entering the market provide an important step forward in increasing options for care. Simultaneously, clinical trials [CH5] are exploring potential breakthroughs to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

We are also learning more about lifestyle changes that support brain function. Exercising regularly, adopting a healthier diet, staying socially engaged, and proper sleep have all been linked to better brain health. As we learn more about how to prevent Alzheimer’s, we can lessen the burden for future generations.

Alzheimer’s is a daunting diagnosis. It affects our families, our health, and our futures, but staying updated on the latest Alzheimer's resources and treatments helps you care for your loved one. This way, they get support that fits their needs.