Living with Alzheimer’s Disease: Lance’s Story

Lance had noticed changes in his memory long before he received an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. Forgetting appointments and details at work felt unsettling at first—especially given his family history of the chronic disease—but seeing the word ‘Alzheimer’s’ in his test results took his breath away. Overcome with fear and uncertainty, Lance struggled with how to process the diagnosis and what it would mean for his future and his family. 
 
Over time, Lance began to reframe how he lived with the disease. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, he finds joy in working in his yard, puzzling, and spending meaningful time with the people he loves. While Alzheimer’s has changed aspects of his life, it has also shifted his perspective—encouraging him to focus less on what might be lost and more on what still brings purpose. 
 
Today, Lance speaks openly about the emotional reality of his diagnosis and the importance of living fully in the present. His message is simple but powerful: joy can still be found, and life is still worth embracing.