Nightline Talks about the Toll of Alzheimer’s

Last night my favorite Terry Moran of Nightline covered Alzheimer’s disease. He even had himself tested for it (he had a 19% chance of developing the disease). His wife was there, they showed pictures of his mother who died with the disease. It was poignant and very brave of him to report on such a personal topic and include himself.

Meryl Comer was also on the show. She has aged significantly since I’ve seen her. She was on the show live as she read her own chances of getting the disease. It was over 30%. She also revealed that her mother now has the disease. She’s been caring for her own husband for 15 years! She is my hero. Somehow I don’t think she’ll die with the disease because she will probably die before she gets it. The disease takes the lives of caregivers and her life is a labor of love for her husband and now her mother.

Nightline makes it tough to link to individual shows (read: impossible) or I’d link to the exact story. Again, just like Meryl urged people in her speech to us, look into long term care insurance. This disease can bankrupt you (along with others that you’re more likely to get as you age). Talk to a Utah financial planner and see what your options are.

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