EP 156 :: Younger Onset Alzheimer's Part 1 :: James Russell

Imagine being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at only 48 years old. This is what happened to Lynn Russell. Her father, James Russell, now helps care for her. He tells their story on his blog, "Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist," where he recounts the daily struggles, joys, and epiphanies of life with Alzheimer’s. In part one of this talk we speak with Jim about his daughter’s early symptoms and her transition from living at home to a care home where she was 20 years younger than the next youngest patient. His stories are a testament to the strength a family can provide amid such a difficult journey.

James’ blog, “Nevertheless Dementia, We Persist,” began in January 2020 to record his daughter’s life with Alzheimer’s disease in an Aegis Living facility in Seattle. She and James are supported by love channeled to us from their family and many of Lynne’s friends. James is an 81-year-old widower who retired as Dean of Business and Computer Technology at a community college in 2001. He and his wife, Karen, and quickly moved to Wenatchee to enjoy many outdoor and community activities. They moved to Redmond in 2018 to better care for Lynne and her sons.  James’ wife died in September 2019 two months before their 56th anniversary.  James then returned to Seattle to give Lynne better care.

Follow James on Facebook & Twitter.

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