Making the Commitment – and Taking Control of Your Life
As startling as it was to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in his late fifties, David Fost is grateful for the sharp focus it has brought to his life. His busy lifestyle and outgoing nature means he talks to a lot of people about the disease. His message to all of us: take action in your own life.
Genetics and aging are two risk factors that we can't control. That makes it even more important that we take control of the things that we can -- such as being physically active, reducing stress and keeping our blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range.
"If you sense that your memory is not as it once was, get an evaluation," says David. "Don't assume that it is just a natural part of aging. Chances are that it won't be Alzheimer's disease, but it is worth the effort to know for sure," encourages David. "And if it is, the earlier the diagnosis the earlier you can begin treatment."
He can be very direct, almost blunt when talking to people who are directly affected by Alzheimer's disease. David is adamant that we do ourselves and our loved ones a disservice by not facing reality and living our lives well.
So what does "living your life well" mean when you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease? For David it means being productive for as long and as well as you can. "In spite of this diagnosis there is a lot that you can control," says David. "Focus on the positive and work with the things that you can control," he says.
David has taken control of his life by choosing that living fully and openly with Alzheimer's disease is the right approach for him. He has also taken control by looking after his financial and estate planning and discussing his future care with his family. He has registered himself in the Alzheimer Society's Safely Home™ Wandering Registry even though he has never become confused and lost when he has left the house. If it does happen at some point, his Safely Home bracelet will enable police to locate his family and get him home quickly and safely. "It just makes sense to look out for yourself and your loved ones by taking care of these things," says David.
"Everyone needs hope. It's the fuel that allows us to have a productive life," says David. He believes that his outlook becomes contagious to those around him. "We can't pretend that Alzheimer's disease is not going to change our life," admits David. "By facing it, I think that I can make the coming changes easier on myself and my family."
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