Written by Linda Shows
Let me start with, I’m BLESSED even though I have Alzheimer’s disease (AD). I am a blessed wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, dog mom, nurse and Woman of Faith. None of that has changed. I do not let AD define how I live my life. I choose to be informed about AD, current research and new treatments. The blessing in this is the early identification of my disease.
As a nurse, I know the earlier you have treatment of any disease the better the outcome. Blessed – I accept my diagnosis with hope, faith and confidence in my medical team and treatment.
My life has always been incredibly full. At 67 years old, you can find me at a multitude of family activities with my children and five grandchildren, sporting events, and going to the beach. The beach is my favorite getaway to enjoy the sun, go to thrift stores and eat scrumptious food. I’m also a semi-retired registered nurse using my skills to volunteer in my community and keep involved at my church.
My lifestyle has not changed – modified for doctor’s appointment and treatments, yes, but it works. I haven’t missed any important life events or leisure activities to present.
My Healthcare Calling
My healthcare journey began in 1978. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and have since earned my master’s degree and pursued post-master’s study.
I began my career as a nursing assistant, later working as a registered nurse in various settings and capacities, serving as Director of Nursing in a Long-term Care Facility, and as a Certified Home Health Oncology nurse. After losing my eyesight to keratoconus and receiving corneal transplants, I redirected my career to teaching.
My first teaching experience was in a high school Allied Health program introducing and mentoring students in various healthcare careers. I taught a Certified Nursing Assistant Program before beginning 27 years of service as a Practical Nursing Instructor. I later worked as a Practical Nursing Director opening the first Practical Nursing program at the local college.
Retirement from education was followed by part-time employment as a Wound Care clinic nurse and Long-Term Care nurse.
Currently, I own and operate a private business that consults with legal firms regarding litigation involving nurses and with schools to assist them in establishing new practical nursing programs and to obtain accreditation in their respective states.
Along with my regular teaching duties, I have been an active member of the Mississippi LPN Association (MLPNA), ultimately serving as Executive Director. I retired in 2024 but continue to contribute as Executive Director Emeritus.
Through my service, I have received several awards, most recently being recognized as the 2016 Outstanding Contribution to Nursing Recipient for the National Association of Practical Nurses.
Today, I spend my time volunteering at the Good Shepherd Clinic, a clinic for the indigent population in Laurel, MS. I mentor high school and college students who plan to pursue a health care career and serve as an advisory board member of several local allied health programs.
Early Alzheimer’s Disease: A Life-Changing Diagnosis
On October 6, 2023, I began experiencing numbness and tingling in my left hand/ arm and fingers with abnormal contractions in my left foot with left side weakness, dizziness and blurred vision. I thought I was overheating from working outdoors. Even when I had a second episode a week later, I attributed it to overheating.
Coincidentally, I had a regular appointment with my family doctor on October 30, 2023, where I shared my symptoms. My physician ordered lab work and a brain MRI as a precautionary assessment.
Wednesday, November 15th is a day I will never forget. I received a call from my family doctor to inform me that my MRI showed amyloid plaque on my brain. He did not refer to it as AD but wanted me to see a neurologist. I knew what amyloid plaque was, but I didn’t have cognitive impairment! It had to be something else.
I then had 3 “seizure-like” episodes with increased severity of weakness. I notified my family physician, and my first neurology appointment was in December 2023. After an assessment the neurologist determined that I was having “seizures-like activity.” The neurologist decided that comprehensive testing was necessary to confirm the nature of my illness.
On the day the testing began, I had many tests, blood laboratory tests, MRI of the brain and spine, CTA of the head and brain, PET of the brain, lumbar puncture, genetic testing, an EEG, and a sleep study.
You can imagine my surprise when in March of this year, my doctor gave me an official diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, also known as early AD.
We all know the typical symptoms people associate with AD – memory loss, confusion. I hadn’t experienced any of those yet. Although the issues that sent me to my doctor were unrelated, I was glad to communicate with my doctor to seek help. No one, including myself, had noticed cognitive changes yet, but the evidence that I was living with AD was there.
While its normal to experience sadness, depression or despair with an AD diagnosis, I instead have been energized proactively researching and learning more about AD, treatments, diet and current research.
My Treatment Journey
Typical or not, I decided I was going to tackle this diagnosis quickly and head-on. My neurologist, Dr. Wendell Helveston, recommended I try a medication called LEQEMBI. He explained that it was an FDA-approved anti-amyloid AD treatment shown to slow disease progression and cognitive and functional decline in adults with early AD.
Taking this important step to assert control over my health and going on drug therapy wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m a healthcare professional. I knew the direction this disease was going to go if I didn’t try this medicine, and I didn’t want to go there. Being proactive about my health and going on treatment means I can have hope that I can delay those cognitive changes. I might keep doing the things I love for longer.
Dr. Helveston told me that LEQEMBI was given by infusion and works by targeting and reducing the harmful amyloid plaque that the MRI found on my brain. It also targets different harmful amyloid proteins that can continue to damage my brain nerve cells even after that plaque is removed. He emphasized that it was important that I stick to my appointments as each LEQEMBI infusion will make a difference in my ability to fight AD.
My family and I prayed, discussed and decided that this was the best course of treatment. I agreed immediately to begin the treatments.
I started receiving LEQEMBI infusions in April 2024. During my infusions, I listen to audio books, read the Bible, work on my next nursing presentations and enjoy the company of the nice nursing staff. I initially experienced some side effects, some chills, achy bones, and a fever, so I told my doctor. As a result, Dr. Helveston slowed down my infusion rate. I haven’t had any side effects since.
I’ve had ten LEQEMBI treatments to date. I’m happy to share that I feel great, and I haven’t noticed further cognitive decline. I still do all the things that bring me joy. My lifestyle hasn’t changed much after receiving my diagnosis because I was BLESSED to catch it early.
Blessed is the word of the day. The key was early diagnosis – because LEQEMBI can only be effective if used at the early stages of AD, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. I understand LEQEMBI is not for everyone, and people should talk to their healthcare providers to learn more.
Providing Hope, Education and Awareness
AD is a progressive disease. Once you have it, you have it, and it will progress from early to middle to late stages. But you can do something to slow down that progression if you catch it early.
If someone is experiencing symptoms, speak to a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of early AD can include things like misplacing things, using wrong words, forgetting names or appointments, frequently repeating yourself and mild confusion. These are just some examples.
Physicians can make an AD diagnosis early if people come to them in time. If you do get an early AD diagnosis, there is hope.
I’ve dedicated my career to educating nurses and the public on health issues. Now, I want to educate others about the possibilities that come with seeking answers for AD. I plan to get involved with local groups to help spread the word about early diagnosis and treatment and offer encouragement to others dealing with AD.
I live by the mantra, “Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what the day may bring BUT live in Faith with Hope while continuing to Serve.”
I’m doing everything I can to live a full life with my God, my family and friends. I urge everyone to do the same.
