Issue 18: Living Passionately

Prior to his diagnosis, Eric enjoyed a long and successful data management career, which included writing manuals and training other professionals in his field. “I’m a documentation nut,” he jokes.

He started to struggle to learn new information and tasks for his job as an information technology professional at a military base near his home in Ohio. Initially, Eric managed his memory loss by creating detailed instructions to complete his work and by putting in more hours. He used the map application on his smartphone while driving to the office and relied on meticulous notes to navigate his building. However, one day, Eric drove to work without his phone; after an hour of searching for his office, he decided to go home and call his doctor—but couldn’t remember how to get there. Eric’s wife, Laurel, had to meet him at a gas station and lead him back to their house.

A few months later, after a battery of tests, Eric received his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He remembers thinking, “What am I going to do now? I’m never going to work again.” The loss of his professional identity was devastating. “I had to decide how to live,” he explains. “I thought about what I could still do, and decided to take over all the household chores, except for laundry. I don’t like doing laundry at all,” he laughs.

Eric’s smartphone continues to help with reminders for meals and medications. But devices can’t do everything, and Laurel is regularly at Eric’s side to gently assist when he becomes confused. Eric appreciates the manner in which Laurel supports him, without judgment or anger.

Laurel cut back on her responsibilities and hours as a bank manager so she could be more available to her husband. “I want Eric to enjoy his retirement years,” she says. Neither of them thought he would retire so early, but they are determined to live as well as possible for as long as possible. Taking walks together is one way they celebrate the present.

The couple loves to travel and recently took a trip to the Bahamas. They also dote on their cat, Barney, named after Barney Fife from “The Andy Griffith Show,” one of Eric’s favorite TV programs. Eric plays guitar and basketball to keep his mind and body active, and he’s very involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.

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