It has historically been linked to aging and the elderly. However, two young brothers changed their lifestyles and reevaluated their career goals when their father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of just 55. What is it like, then, to become a parent?
Simon Ruscoe's strange behavior in 2015 was initially attributed to stress at work.
The active, hands-on husband and father noticed a gradual decline in his memory and his ability to form clear sentences. He overlooked the map.
In 2020, his family finally learned he had early onset Alzheimer's after many years of investigation.
He left his position as an IT service delivery manager in October of that same year, and the family's life underwent a significant change.
Oliver, Simon's youngest son, said, "When I first discovered my dad had Alzheimer's, I kept it to myself." Oliver is 21 years old.
"I wanted people to not feel sorry for me. ".
Oliver and his brother Alex, 26, had to take on more caregiving duties as their father's condition worsened because it was difficult for them to do basic tasks like eating and getting dressed.
The hardest work is usually found in the simplest tasks, Oliver observed.
"We need to make sure he's wearing sunscreen, get the right drink for him at the bar, and get his food for him," someone said. ".
If you put out a clean pair of clothes for him, he will put the dirty clothes back on, said Alex, who had moved out but returned home after the diagnosis.
You must find out from him when he needs to use the restroom.
Although he lacks the ability to communicate it, he will occasionally fidget and you can tell something is off. ".
The brothers have also made changes and sacrifices in their professional lives.
Full-time civil servant Alex cut back on his workdays by registering as a carer.
Part-time supermarket worker Oliver, who aspires to become a train driver, stopped looking for jobs outside of Solihull, West Midlands.
They have modified their social lives as well, favoring family vacations over outings with friends and bringing their father with them when they visit friends' or the pub.
In order for their mother, Emma, to have some downtime as well, a care rota was implemented.
Emma, who cares for her husband in addition to working in adult social care at Solihull Council, said of Oliver and Alex, "They have been absolutely unbelievable.".
Without their help, I wouldn't be able to have Simon at home. I couldn't handle it. Without family support, I don't know how people manage.
"I am so extraordinarily proud. ".
Observing their father unable to perform simple tasks, according to the brothers, was "mentally draining.".
However, they want to make amends for him being "a brilliant dad" when they were kids.
Despite the difficulties, they claimed that it had strengthened the bond between the family members.
We are incredibly grateful that he is with us and content, said Oliver.
"I've got to be grateful for the fact that he is here," Alex said. "I know some people my age and their parents aren't around.
"Of course there is a diminishing ability, but I'll take him at 50%, 75%, or whatever I can get.
. "
