All In Sharley Funk: Slowly Losing a Husband to Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
Jul 3, 2024
Sharley Funk, a devoted wife, shares her heartbreaking experience of slowly losing her husband to Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. She discusses signs of the disease, falling in love with her husband, the honor of caregiving, anxiety, anticipatory grief, and preparing to let go. Through her story, she emphasizes cherishing the time they have left together.
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Early Signs of Alzheimer's
- Sharley noticed Lance struggling with conversations, passwords, and technology at work.
- Colleagues called her, concerned about his declining work performance, which he didn't recognize.
Misdiagnosis and Validation
- Due to Lance's young age, doctors initially misdiagnosed him with PTSD, attributing his symptoms to past trauma and recent work stress.
- It took a year to get the correct Alzheimer's diagnosis, which finally provided validation for Sharley's observations.
Meeting Lance
- Sharley and Lance met in college while working at Pizza Hut; he was a delivery driver, and she was a waitress.
- Their friendship blossomed while spending long hours together, eventually leading to a 33-year marriage built on a strong foundation of friendship.