As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but think about my older brother, a lawyer turned judge, who faced a gradual decline in memory and self-care after retirement. His experience instilled a deep concern in me, especially as I noticed my own forgetfulness creeping in with age. It was this worry that led my wife and me to the Toronto Memory Program, where I was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
The diagnosis came after several tests, revealing a higher-than-average level of amyloid in my brain. This discovery qualified me for the LEQEMBI clinical trial, an opportunity I embraced. I shared a lighthearted anecdote during the trial interview about a vanity license plate my sons gifted me that read “I 4 GET”—a tongue-in-cheek nod to my forgetfulness.
Initially, we attributed my memory lapses to the natural aging process. My wife’s candid question to the doctor—“Why would we expect his memory to get better at 85?”—spurred us to confront the reality of Alzheimer’s, a progressive disease often mistaken for normal aging.
My aim throughout this experience has been to maintain a fulfilling life. I continue to ski, work out, and volunteer at places like the Toronto Zoo and Baycrest Hospital. During the trial, I didn’t know if I was receiving the placebo or the actual drug, but after two years, I learned I had been on a placebo and chose to continue with LEQEMBI.
The process has been manageable. I experienced an infusion-related reaction early on, but quick responses from my medical team ensured I felt better within hours. The infusions are painless and take about two hours, with brain scans every few months to monitor my progress. My wife and I also participate in biannual interviews to reflect on our lives, helping us gauge any changes in my memory.
Living with Alzheimer’s has not diminished my zest for life. I still ski, although I’ve moved away from the moguls. I’ve discovered a passion for Paint-By-Numbers, completing 75 paintings that I’ve shared with friends and family. My volunteering continues, and while I occasionally struggle with names or words, technology like cell phones and GPS has become invaluable.
At 90, I find confidence in my ongoing journey. The staff at the clinic have become like friends, providing support and encouragement. I’m grateful for the LEQEMBI treatment and the opportunity to participate in a program that empowers individuals like me to face our diagnoses with hope.
My message to others facing similar challenges is simple: there is a path forward. With the right support and treatment, living a fulfilling life with Alzheimer’s is possible. I remain optimistic about my future and hopeful that others can receive timely diagnoses and start treatments that restore their confidence.
