Updated July 17, 2026, 12:39 p.m. ET
Natalie Bryan, 49, has experienced first-hand the impact of dementia. Her grandmother suffered from Alzheimer’s, and in recent years, she has witnessed friends caring for their aging parents. This reality played a significant role in her and her husband’s decision to return to Oklahoma City in 2021 after years of relocating for work.
“My husband has older parents, too,” she reflected. “We figured it was important to be closer as they age and, well, eventually they’ll need assistance.”
In 2024, when Bryan’s father, James Nelson, began showing minor signs of memory issues, the family urged him to get evaluated. The diagnosis revealed he had mild cognitive impairment linked to Alzheimer’s.
“We understood what it meant,” Bryan noted. “This diagnosis indicated a long path of decline and, ultimately, death.”
This has been the typical course for many, but in recent years, new treatments for Alzheimer’s have emerged, showing promising results, extending patients’ stability, and easing the caretaker burden on families.
Dr. Anna Chodos, who heads Dementia Care Aware, emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. For those caught in the early stages, certain treatments can stave off symptoms and disabilities. However, many are diagnosed too late or are on medications that disqualify them from newer treatments.
Chodos points out that many Alzheimer’s patients still require extensive care. According to a report by AARP, 27% of the 63 million U.S. caregivers are looking after someone with Alzheimer’s or another memory-related health issue.
“It’s crucial for caregivers to tap into available resources and community support,” she advised. “They shouldn’t feel alone in this.”
‘We’ve been surprised’
After Bryan’s father’s diagnosis, his doctor discussed treatment options. Because he was detected early, he was a good candidate and managed to drive himself to bi-weekly infusions for 18 months. He’s been using Leqembi, though the Alzheimer’s Association states that other medications, like Kisunla, also address the disease’s underlying biology. Different patients react variably to these treatments.
“We were hopeful, but we didn’t expect such favorable results,” Bryan said.
Over the past 18 months, her 79-year-old father has shown little decline. Although there are lingering issues with short-term memory, the condition has not worsened, and he hasn’t experienced any noticeable side effects from the treatment. Impressively, he still participates in family activities, assists with her children, drives himself, and even works with Seniors Helping Seniors.
“Compared to my grandmother and friends’ parents, who typically see noticeable decline after 18 months, we’re honestly surprised,” she remarked.
Chodos mentioned that patients on these medications often experience slower regression.
“The objective is to keep individuals in the early stages without active disease progression indefinitely,” Chodos expressed. “We hope to optimize their quality of life through better diet, exercise, and sleep.”
For Bryan, this situation has been a relief. As a working mother of two, she initially worried about how her father’s diagnosis might amplify her stress. Thankfully, life continues on. She accompanies him to some appointments but generally, he remains independent.
“I thought I’d be attending numerous visits with him, but he manages on his own,” she said. “He even helps out with my dog right after his infusions.”
While she realizes her father won’t stay independent forever, the treatment is allowing her to prepare for what caregiving may eventually entail. Many family caregivers face unexpected and overwhelming challenges. Bryan is thankful for this extra time to think things through.
“You have to consider financial aspects, along with the physical care and time spent with them,” she shared. “It’s a reminder that time is precious, and I want my kids to build memories with their grandparents.”
