Lisa: Gary and I were interviewed by Val Zavala of KCET and the show was aired last night.  Here is the link to the segment.  Dr. Keith Black was also interviewed because he is working on a trial that could lead to a huge breakthrough in early diagnosis and treatment.  In addition, Susan Galeas, President and CEO of The Alzheimer’s Association, Southland Chapter was also featured. We feel that segment was done very well . Here is the link - we hope you find it interesting! 

http://www.kcet.org/shows/socal_connected/stories/health/early-alzheimers-testing-and-preventative-care.html

KCET:  What if a compound from a common spice could help detect Alzheimer's in patients? A team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is developing a test that could make early detection possible, and a first step for the patient would be taking pills derived from curcumin, which is found in turmeric, an ingredient often used in Indian curries.

Knowing earlier than later would be helpful to patients. Gary Bricker was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 63 in 2012, but during the years leading up to his diagnosis, Bricker’s relationship with his wife suffered immensely. To add to the stress, Bricker -- a former real estate attorney -- ended up losing two jobs.

Shortly after his diagnosis, Bricker and his wife Lisa decided to launch AlzAcrossAmerica, a nonprofit organization that hopes to provide resources and a support network to those affected by the disease. (And for information on clinical trials, check out TrialMatch at the Alzheimer's Association).

In this exclusive "SoCal Connected" report, Val Zavala discusses early Alzheimer's detection, and what this means for families who are hoping to plan for health situations in advance.

LB

Lisa: I received a call from Steve Lopez from the LA Times yesterday.  Yes, THE Steve Lopez!  Very nice man.  He contacted me because I had sent him an email awhile back and he was following up and  looking for info on dementia. He was also working on the Donald Sterling story because Mrs. Sterling now claims that she thinks her husband may have dementia (let's leave that diagnosis up to the experts).  We had a good discussion and I highly suggested that he contact the Alzheimer's Association, Southland Chapter to get more specific information for his story. While we were on the phone, I had the chance to tell him all about Alz Across America and our mission.  He took a look at our website while we were on the phone.
Steve called and spoke with Debra Cherry, Executive Vice President and Amy Landers, Director of Helpline and Early Stage Services. Here is the link to Steve's column today,

www.latimes.com/local/la-me-0514-lopez-dementia-20140513-column.html

Debra Cherry was quoted yesterday as saying that "50% of people with dementia never get diagnosed". How sad is that?  There are families that have a loved one with dementia and they never talk about it and never even admit it. They remain in denial. I cannot imagine, but it is quite common. I experienced this while I was working as a Senior Living Advisor with A Place for Mom, helping families place their loved ones in Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Never acknowledging it and never talking about it is the hardest way of going through this journey and sadly will most likely end up in a crisis at some point down the road. I say, come out of the shadows, there is a life to be lived...you are not alone.  
LB 

“May you live every day of your life”,  Jonathan  Swift

Lisa: Thanks to the Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, Val Zavala from KCET TV and her crew were at our house today to interview Gary and I for a segment that will address some important new research that is still in trial stages. According to Dr Keith Black this research could possibly lead to early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease. Our discussion with Val today covered topics such as "How would earlier detection of this disease have changed your lives?" The news feature on KCET is scheduled to air on May 14th and may be released on the their website sooner. Stay tuned!

It's always such an honor for Gary and I to share our story because we know that we are not alone and others are out there struggling with the confusion of what is happening to their lives.  As we both told Val Zavala in the interview, our journey is divided into two parts:  Prediagnosis and post diagnosis. As much as it is difficult to know that Gary has Alzheimer's, at least now we know why Gary was struggling and we can be open about it. The "not knowing" was so much harder.
.