Just Another Monday
Part 172 - July 27, 2026
Hello, friends.
I often reminisce about previous travels and experiences. This morning, my mind wandered to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut. The park is located between two small towns - Clinton and Madison. For many years, a camping trip to Hammonasset was the highlight of summer. Clinton is home to Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale. We would ride our bikes from the park to the restaurant to enjoy excellent lobster. The above photo was taken in June 2018, when Linda and I enjoyed lobster and ice cream at Lenny & Joe’s. Sadly, lobsters straight from the ocean are likely not in my future.
My Alzheimer’s symptoms and behaviors fascinate me. They also make me sad and angry.
Only recently have I mentally accepted that I have Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Before, I often thought the PET scan might have been wrong. Of course, I experienced the symptoms of AD, so I knew something was terribly wrong.
My questioning was a psychological denial, unlike anosognosia, which is a physical, brain-based condition. Anosognosia is a serious situation. People truly do not believe they are sick. I hope that doesn’t happen to me.
I mentioned Friday that I thought I needed a new body thermostat. My assumption may very well be true. The hypothalamus, which regulates vital functions like body temperature, sleep, and hormones, is significantly impacted by AD. It also regulates blood pressure, appetite, and mood. This discovery answers many questions and explains several changes I am experiencing.
An odd phenomenon is my frequent and sudden confusion about my location. This used to happen only when I woke up. Lately, at random times, I think I am somewhere other than my actual location.
Alzheimer’s disease is a strange beast. My AD experiences and behaviors are random and unpredictable. It is a debilitating disease that is slowly taking away my memory and thinking skills. Yet, I still function well with daily activities. Unless I forget something.
Last night, I walked ten feet from the oven to a cabinet and, in those few seconds, forgot what I needed from the cabinet. It took me two or three minutes to remember I needed a plate. It would be ok if that memory lapse only happened occasionally. Sadly, it happens many times every hour.
There is a certain peace and happiness in my life. I have a slow pace for the first time in my adult life. I certainly enjoy my frequent naps. Writing and research are the highlights of my days (and nights). It is wonderful to be with Linda everyday - all day. I can’t imagine life without her. The cats certainly enjoy my constant presence. I understand that my abilities will change one day, so I just take life one day at a time.
I best go finish the research report. A clinic in Italy followed a small group of AD patients for a year; these patients were receiving either lecanemab or donanemab infusions. The study did not compare the two drugs. Instead, the study examined the effectiveness of amyloid targeting therapy.
If you have any questions for me, or if you want to share your own AD experiences (or those of a loved one), please leave a comment or email me. I would love to hear from you.
Greg
Greg’s Alzheimer’s Research Report
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