Facing Challenges with Compassion: Dave & Carolyn’s Family Journey with Alzheimer’s Disease
May 27, 2025 | 6-Minute Read Time
Over a decade ago, Dave and Carolyn’s world came crashing down. Dave experienced what looked like a mini stroke; however, his condition was later identified as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a potential precursor to Alzheimer’s.
The following years weighed heavily on the family, as Dave’s wife, Carolyn, began to pick up on subtle signs of cognitive decline. Though adept at masking his symptoms, Dave began to retreat into himself, reducing his social interaction and limiting the extent of his activities outside of the household. That was when Carolyn had to face her greatest fear, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, which was slowly stripping Dave of the spark that made him so special.
Like the 7+ million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, Dave and Carolyn experience both good days and bad. And while moving to an Arizona-based care facility has offered an additional layer of support, the emotional toll on Carolyn has been immense as she grapples with the gradual loss of her husband’s sharp mind and ability to stay calm in situations with the slightest unknowns.
Amid all that they are faced with, Dave and Carolyn remember to laugh–whether it is during dance classes, catching a glimpse of Dave’s old self or welcoming their children into their new home–laughter and positivity fill the room as frequently as it can. She fulfills her caregiver role with compassion and a smile, fighting to preserve Dave’s legacy while supporting him with love and care. Having this perspective, Carolyn keeps moving forward as Dave’s main caregiver while maintaining a hopeful attitude for her own future and the future of Alzheimer’s care.
“Seeing my parents together in this way has made me appreciate how much they care for each other and how, when faced with a difficult choice, choosing to love someone, and love someone no matter what, that’s the biggest gift we can all give each other.”
– Cheryl, Dave & Carolyn’s Daughter
Though much of the brain remains a mystery, scientific advancements over the last decade have given reason to be hopeful. For Carolyn and Dave’s daughter, Cheryl, their call to action is clear—there’s more work to be done in Alzheimer’s.
“With Alzheimer’s, it is the little things along the way that you mourn, and you figure, well, this is one of those things we can’t control. That’s why it makes a big difference to see that people care enough and are working hard to help with this disease.”
– Carolyn, Dave’s Wife
Learn more about how Lantheus is advancing next-generation radiodiagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease with the goal of enabling earlier detection and ultimately better patient outcomes.
