The Story

Alzheimer’s Daughter introduces the reader to my healthy parents, Ed and Ibby, years before their diagnosis, then recounts painful details as our roles reversed and I became my parents’ parent.

Their disease started as translucent, confused thoughts and ended in a locked memory care unit after a near decade of descent into the opaque world of Alzheimer's.

I began writing Alzheimer’s Daughter one week after my mother's death––when I was stunned, realizing Dad had no memory of her or their 66-year marriage.

I write to pay tribute to the undying spirit at Ed and Ibby's core, and with the hope that the story of their parallel decline might be helpful to others.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Lisa Marshall Writes Spouse Caregiver Memoir, "Oh Hello Alzheimer's"

Hello Friends,

I was on vacation last week at a lovely lake in the mountains of TN. My husband and I have been trailering a small water ski boat to this lake for 31 years. We started this trip when our own children were age 10 and 14. Now we have grandchildren that age who love the water sports just as their parents did.

Here's a photo I snapped, in the quiet of one early morning, from the balcony of our rented house.

This time away with family always provides a space for personal reflection.

This year I was aware that Lisa Marshall’s post about her beautiful spouse memoir, Oh Hello Alzheimer’s, was due to be released on AlzAuthors when I returned home.

As Lisa’s story lingered in my mind, It brought up much emotion when I consider that, at age 68, I’m so thankful to be enjoying precious time with my family.

Lisa’s husband, Peter, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 53.

Her book is a gripping must-read. You won’t want to put the book down as Lisa describes her drive and struggle to create precious times with Peter, despite his devastating diagnosis.

We applaud Lisa on her bravery in revealing her love story and allowing us to elevate it to support others on a similar journey.

Thank you, Lisa.

💜 💜 💜

Oh Hello Alzheimer's

by Lisa Marshall

Lisa tells us:

My husband, Peter, was diagnosed with Early On-set Alzheimer’s at the young age of 53. While the diagnosis was devastating and could have overpowered me, I knew that I had to understand the disease and what to expect. Being Peter’s caregiver would require enormous research, but I could find little available.

I started a blog entitled Oh Hello Alzheimer’s to offer readers the chance to get a firsthand look inside our private walls. I began to share the raw emotions of receiving the diagnosis and its unfairness. The horror of knowing there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and the panic of slowly losing the love of your life. The blog quickly became a global resource.

Alzheimer's Daughter by Jean Lee

Alzheimer's Daughter