Gaspar Rosado, known by all as Gary, is 62 years old and in the later middle stages of Alzheimer’s. I have been so fortunate to call him my husband for the past 35 years. Symptoms began appearing in his early 50s when he was being forgetful, misplacing things, and his cognitive abilities were declining which affected his job performance.  After being evaluated by a neurologist with in-depth testing, we were given the devastating diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's. Gary was only 58 years old at that time.

Gary is a proud Puerto Rican, who has a passion for dancing and loves to sing along to music from all decades. He has been an amazing father to two daughters and now a grandfather who are the center of his world. He is a gentleman, opening the car door for me, and he is a romantic, pulling me into his arms to dance to a love song. Every day, he makes me laugh, gives me kisses and hugs, and says "I love you more". Gary continues to have the best sense of humor and his laughter is contagious. This man was one of the most talented people you would ever want to meet.  Handcrafted jewelry, Ukrainian eggs, puppets, Halloween costumes, photography, and piñatas were just a few of his talents. His original design won a contest for the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival when he created the Wizard of Oz theme. 

Unfortunately, Gary has progressed to the middle of Stage 6 of Alzheimer's. He can no longer complete tasks without prompts and guidance. He needs help with simple tasks like cutting up his food, changing clothes, brushing teeth, and with hygiene. Confusion and anxiety are daily challenges. He cannot be left alone and he has lost the ability to entertain himself with his past hobbies. He is no longer my handyman who could fix anything. The circle of people he knows has become only long time friends and close family. He now refers to me, his wife, as "Mom". 

I retired 3 years ago at the age of 55 from a job that had been fulfilling to me for 30 years. However, I want to devote my time to making special memories with Gary because time is now our enemy. I walk a fine line between treating a grown man with dignity while in reality it is more like taking care of a child. As his cognitive abilities decline, he loses more independence which places more responsibility on me. One of the hardest parts of this journey is knowing that, as this disease progresses, we will continue to face more challenges and lose the true Gary a little bit at a time.

I get through each day by trying to focus on our blessings. Gary is living at home with the help of amazing caregivers who enjoy spending time with him. They start each day with an exercise routine then take him to places in the community like museums or art exhibits, scenic walks, provide him with socialization, and engage him in activities to stimulate his brain. Gary is not on any medication for Alzheimer's but he is doing really well with the high quality of care he receives. He is out of the house most days which gives me respite to handle my responsibilities and recharge my own battery. I am so fortunate to have the support and love from friends, family, and caregivers. 

Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Gary. Your contribution will raise awareness, support local families with services like educational programs, respite, and fund the research that will someday discover a cure. Additionally, please click on our daughter Gabriela Rosado’s TikTok link below to view the incredible videos she has made of Gary over the past few years. Link to Gabriela Rosado's TikTok page  They will make you laugh and cry. The money made from the number of “hearts” she receives on the videos will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. We thank you for taking the time to read about our journey. With gratitude, Debbie and Team Gary