Pat McMahon & Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease
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As some of you know, in August of 2017 our dad Patrick McMahon was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease just after turning 55. Needless to say, the diagnosis was devastating news to him and our family.
It was a relief for Dad and Cheryl to finally receive a diagnosis after many questions, tests, and doctor visits as they tried to figure out what was going on with him. This relief was short-lived as the heavy weight of this new reality with such a diagnosis set in quickly. I know that too many people have been touched by, or have had experience with loved ones and Alzheimer's disease. If you have, you know the absolute devastation this disease can bring to the patient and their family.
Early Onset Alzheimers affects those under 65 and is very rare. There are unique challenges for someone who develops the disease at such an early & unexpected age.
As of January of this year, Dad’s doctors have also diagnosed him with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) with Parkinsonism mobility issues. For Dad, LBD has accelerated his Early Onset Alzheimer's disease, meaning not only is his memory fading rapidly, but his motor body function as well.
The life expectancy after this type of Early Onset Alzheimer's with LBD diagnosis is anywhere from 4 to 8 years after the onset.
With these diseases, patients and their caretakers need considerable resources and assistance from healthcare professionals and agencies. The combination of cognitive, motor and behavioral symptoms creates a highly challenging set of demands for continuing care.
We are desperate to keep Dad in the home he shares with Cheryl for as long as we possibly can. Under his current benefits, home modifications and a daily in-home caregiver are not covered, and we are struggling to afford the care he truly needs.
We are asking your help to raise funds to pay for the home modifications needed to make their home more handicap accessible as Dad continues to decline. We are also asking for additional support to hire an experienced caregiver to be with him to assist with everyday activities, as he can no longer be home alone or care for himself. We want to give Cheryl physical and mental relief while working and care-giving full time. Both of these things are needed as soon as possible.
While we remain positive and hopeful, we know there is no cure. It’s not going to get better. It’s utterly unfair, but this disease will take his life. It’s important that we try as best we can to be prepared for every stage he moves into and provide Dad with the best life possible. We love him and know he would absolutely do the same for us.
Thank you for your prayers. Please feel free to share.
If you would like to buy a handmade mask as part of our fundraiser, please visit the link below.
Facebook Page Masks for Pat
It was a relief for Dad and Cheryl to finally receive a diagnosis after many questions, tests, and doctor visits as they tried to figure out what was going on with him. This relief was short-lived as the heavy weight of this new reality with such a diagnosis set in quickly. I know that too many people have been touched by, or have had experience with loved ones and Alzheimer's disease. If you have, you know the absolute devastation this disease can bring to the patient and their family.
Early Onset Alzheimers affects those under 65 and is very rare. There are unique challenges for someone who develops the disease at such an early & unexpected age.
As of January of this year, Dad’s doctors have also diagnosed him with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) with Parkinsonism mobility issues. For Dad, LBD has accelerated his Early Onset Alzheimer's disease, meaning not only is his memory fading rapidly, but his motor body function as well.
The life expectancy after this type of Early Onset Alzheimer's with LBD diagnosis is anywhere from 4 to 8 years after the onset.
With these diseases, patients and their caretakers need considerable resources and assistance from healthcare professionals and agencies. The combination of cognitive, motor and behavioral symptoms creates a highly challenging set of demands for continuing care.
We are desperate to keep Dad in the home he shares with Cheryl for as long as we possibly can. Under his current benefits, home modifications and a daily in-home caregiver are not covered, and we are struggling to afford the care he truly needs.
We are asking your help to raise funds to pay for the home modifications needed to make their home more handicap accessible as Dad continues to decline. We are also asking for additional support to hire an experienced caregiver to be with him to assist with everyday activities, as he can no longer be home alone or care for himself. We want to give Cheryl physical and mental relief while working and care-giving full time. Both of these things are needed as soon as possible.
While we remain positive and hopeful, we know there is no cure. It’s not going to get better. It’s utterly unfair, but this disease will take his life. It’s important that we try as best we can to be prepared for every stage he moves into and provide Dad with the best life possible. We love him and know he would absolutely do the same for us.
Thank you for your prayers. Please feel free to share.
If you would like to buy a handmade mask as part of our fundraiser, please visit the link below.
Facebook Page Masks for Pat
Organizer and beneficiary
Brooke Hood
Organizer
Rockwall, TX
Cheryl Brown Coleman McMahon
Beneficiary