One Day at a Time

by Vicki Brown

Ruth Harris takes life one day at time since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “I’ve always believed that it’s the quality of your day and not your future that’s important,” says Harris, 59, of Norcross, Ga. One of an estimated 4 million Americans who suffer from the disease that kills brain cells, Harris must plan for her future even while she enjoys the present, because she will lose the mental ability to make decisions as the disease progresses.

And because she has no family to care for her, early diagnosis and new medication that eases symptoms such as memory loss have given her precious time to make plans. She also advocates for better care, better treatment, and more research.

“Whatever you have in this life, if you can make some use of it for others, it really helps your coping mechanism,” Harris says of her speeches on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association and other advocacy efforts.

Alzheimer’s (pronounced AHLZ-hi-merz) kills brain cells and is the leading cause of dementia, a condition that involves gradual loss of memory, language, and learning skills. It impairs judgment and causes personality changes. Eventually, physical failures mean patients are unable to care for themselves.

Early diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and support all are crucial, says Dr. William Thies, vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the association. Family caregivers founded the nonprofit group to advance research and enhance care and support for those who have the disease, their families, and caregivers.

About half of those over age 85 get Alzheimer’s, so with more people living longer, some 14 million people are projected to have the disease by the 2050. “In the next few years, we would like to change what that picture of the future looks like,” Thies says.

That means research. At the International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders in July, many of the 3,700 scientists who attended are studying the disease and treatments.

With the exception of a relatively rare early onset form that is genetic, doctors still do not know the cause. But a host of studies indicate lifestyle may be a factor. A heart-healthy diet, nutrition, exercise, controlled blood pressure, as well as intellectual stimulation and social contact, all may help.

Four drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration relieve symptoms such as memory loss, allowing people to function more normally for longer, Thies says.

Researchers also are working on ways to decrease a compound called beta amyloid, which accumulates in those with Alzheimer’s and is suspected of causing degeneration. Ongoing research includes vaccines, new and existing drugs, and vitamins in both prevention and treatment, Thies says.

Ruth Harris hopes new treatments will help her, but meanwhile, she is taking up her old love of photography, looking for housing that she’ll be able to afford when her disability runs out, and just taking life at slower pace.

“I can do things at slower pace,” she says, “and take control of my life.”

Vicki Brown is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

first appeared: 11/17/2002