The Alzheimer's Association estimates that half the population of the United States has the disease by the age of 85. But in an overview of Alzheimer's written by Dr. Thomas Bird of the University of Washington Medical Center, those with early-onset Alzheimer's, defined as those under 65, accounted for less than 5 percent of the affected population. That Alzheimer's is unsparing is underscored by what Dr. Escher recommends to patients after diagnosis. Medicating the disease holds no long-term hope. There are no brain transplants.
Treatment goals are stabilization, or, at best, some minimal improvements.
Nothing changes the end point. Thinking the worst of the disease would spring with the suddenness of a trap door and already unable to frame conversation subtly, Mr. Rice wasted no time in telling people. I have Alzheimer's. But it was important to him for them to know. Gregg and Laura Rice met while attending the University of Rochester.