Des Moines couple embraces the challenge of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Goodsons will participate in a program at noon on March 13 at Des Moines University’s Student Education Center on patient and family perspectives on Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.
Dick Goodson could be a poster child for embracing the challenges of aging. Before retiring seven years ago, Dick, 74, had owned a successful association management company. He threw himself equally into his work, volunteer groups and gourmet cooking. Now he channels that energy into his mental and physical health. Dick decided to go public by writing an essay for the Register a year ago disclosing the diagnosis and blogs at dickgoodson.com. “Divorces happen because of dementia,” she said. She noticed they were having disagreements over things that seemed “so trivial” to her, but not to him. “I thought he was being contrary, but that was his reality.” Kerry’s advice to couples: “Don’t divorce until you see a neurologist,” she said. “The diagnosis saved our marriage.”
Read the Full Story at www.desmoinesregister.com