Family & Friends,

My father, Steve Atlas, was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia in the Spring of 2019, after knee surgery he was insistent on getting so he could exercise more comfortably. The summer before he’d stopped driving and started showing symptoms like forgetfulness, confusion, and anxiety, new places were hard for him to navigate. 

Alzheimer’s disease has slowly taken over since then. As much as my sister, Jessica, and I tried to help out, by Spring of 2020 the year had taken a toll and my mom was beginning to feel exhausted. I started delivering groceries when the pandemic began and moved in with my parents in June of 2020 to keep an eye on everyone’s sanity. And Jessica spent many weekends entertaining and distracting my dad. 

We enlisted the help of part-time, in-home care in March of this year. It’s really helped give my mom a breather 4 hours a day, 3 days a week when I’m at work. And Jessica and I are still doing what we can to give her breaks to visit friends on Thursdays and weekends! 

Soon it will be time to visit dementia care centers and make very hard decisions for my father and our family. My sister said today, ‘what a crappy chapter to end his story and that registered so deeply. 

So, that’s our Alzheimer’s journey thus far. I hope you can join me by walking OR donating so that one day no one will have to have such a crappy last chapter to end their story.

UPDATE: We made a very hard family decision in August 2021 to begin the search for a memory care residence. In late October 2021, we transitioned Steve to an Activcare facility for his well-being. Steve's health has declined since early 2022 but he seems to still know us from time to time. His motor and language skills have decreased. His favorite thing is when we're able to squeeze into a bed or recliner with him for a little cuddle. He still enjoys music and holding hands. He’s been pretty much confined to a wheelchair or bed since April.

Much love, The Atlas Family