My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 161 - Thoughts from The Cat Man
As my Alzheimer’s disease progresses, I am learning how unpredictable and random symptoms manifest.
When I wake up in the mornings, I am often confused and uncertain where I am. Lately, the confusion of my location is combined with thoughts of my deceased parents. In my thoughts, I will plan going to visit mother and dad. As unpredictable as those thoughts appear, they vanish.
For the first time, I experienced location confusion in the afternoon Wednesday. I was laying in the bed reading and suddenly, I felt lost. I had no idea where I was. This lasted a few minutes.
This confusion is a small portion of my typical day. I hope it stays that way for a long time.
I am able to read, study, and research very complex scientific topics. My writing skill hasn’t changed except for leaving words out as I type. I must work in a quiet environment, or I become distracted and anxious. Linda would probably say I get annoyed and agitated by distractions - especially, noise.
A few days ago, I remained confused, sad, and depressed the entire day. After Linda and I ate dinner, I became dizzy and I had trouble walking. My blood pressure was well below my normal range. Both of us were a tad concerned. The next morning I felt much better and my blood pressure was in my normal range.
Due to the extreme heat, I have not been walking very much. When I do walk, I quickly get winded and tired. Of course, I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
Overall, I am doing well. I see glimpses of the future though. I don’t like what I see.
My life is so different from a year ago. Going from working at least ten hours each day, to having no set schedule has been difficult. If there were a workaholic gene, I would have it. Not just me, my brother and sister would also have it. My dad worked very hard most of his life and he instilled that strong work ethic on all of us. Or, maybe it is a special gene we have.
I am learning to enjoy not having a set schedule. My Alzheimer’s disease has zapped my energy, so I nap often. I call them cat naps. There is always at least one cat beside me when I nap.
Linda and I definitely feel a burden has been lifted since our house sold. We have no financial or legal ties to Spartanburg now. We continue to struggle to make ends meet. Our greatest challenge is the cost of housing. Our two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment rent is about $2100. That is crazy. We have begun looking for less expensive housing. We are finding that our current rent is at the lower end of the average range in the area. The search continues.
If we can’t reduce our rent cost, we must increase our income. I believe we have a solid plan to earn a modest income from a few different ventures. It takes time to develop those ventures though. Below is an update on our online store. This is a plan that came about after a lot of analysis, consulting with ecommerce experts, and soul-searching to determine how much work Linda and I can handle. I apologize for the length of the plan.
Carrying the Message: Why We Remodeled Greg’s AZ Store (And How You Can Help Us Outsmart the Algorithms)
Every day, I dedicate myself to raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and honoring the incredible caregivers who stand by their loved ones. Through this blog and my recently launched research reports publication, I share vital information to Alzheimer’s patients, caregiver’s, medical professionals, and others who are interested in learning about Alzheimer’s. But words on a screen can only go so far. To truly weave this cause into the fabric of everyday life, I need something visual, conversational, and close to the heart.
That is partly why I created Greg’s AZ Store. The other reason (very important reason) is to have a source of income.
Linda and I recently completed a total remodel of the store and completely updated our merchandise with a beautiful new philosophy: subtle, low-key advocacy.
Subtle Style, Big Conversations
Based on feedback from customers and friends, the new apparel features quiet, subtle graphic messages. We intentionally designed these pieces to appeal to everyone - even those with no direct connection to Alzheimer’s. I clearly understand that not everyone wants to wear a tee-shirt with a bold graphic message.
My goal is simple. I want people to look at your awareness apparel and ask, “What does that design mean?”
Every time they do, it opens a door. It gives you a gentle, natural opportunity to talk about the importance of treatment research, the desperate need for a cure, and the power of disease acceptance.
I have also doubled down on quality and sustainability. We are now using top-tier, eco-friendly brands, including Bella + Canvas, Comfort Colors, Stanley/Stella, and Rabbit Skins for kids.
One of my absolute personal favorites? Our new brain athletic shorts and joggers. They are completely unique, incredibly comfortable, and guaranteed to catch people’s eyes at the gym or on a run.
The “Cat Man” Challenge: Let’s Go Global
To get this message moving, I want to steal a brilliant idea from a quirky grocery chain called Stew Leonard’s. Decades ago, a shopper took a photo with one of their grocery bags in front of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral.
The owners loved it and encouraged others to do the same. Today, thousands of photos of their mascot, Clover the Cow, have been sent in from all over the world, creating a massive, joyful community movement. The photos are posted in their stores and on Instagram.
We have our own incredible icon: the Cat Man logo.
Let’s start our own movement. Pack your Cat Man apparel when you travel. Wear it to local landmarks, your favorite hiking spots, or everyday neighborhood hangouts. Snap a photo and email it to me at greg@rowjeraholdings.com. Let’s see how far across the globe we can carry the message of Alzheimer’s awareness together!
Why We Need You (Outsmarting the Algorithm)
Finally, I need to share a challenge we are facing, and transparency is important to me.
Because the store promotes that the profit supports my medical, living, and eventual caregiving expenses, Google’s policies categorize our store as an unapproved fundraising entity. Google prohibits the use of its shopping network to raise money for health-related causes.
As a result, Google will not allow us to advertise, and we will not appear if someone searches for “Alzheimer’s Awareness apparel.”
I cannot rely on big tech algorithms to spread this message. I can only rely on you. The only way people find our store is if they type the address directly or click a link from another website, blog, etc.
How You Can Help Right Now
Linda and I cannot do this alone, but together with you, we can be an unstoppable force. Here is how you can help us make a difference today:
Share the Link: Copy GregsAZstore.com and share it across your Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn accounts. Tell your friends why this cause matters to you. To make it easy to tell the story, you may want to share the link to my personal website: gregoryrowland.com
Start a Conversation: Buy a pair of the new brain joggers, brain shorts, or a subtle polo shirt, wear it out, and watch the seeds of awareness grow.
Join the Photo Movement: Snap a picture rocking your Cat Man gear and send it to greg@rowjeraholdings.com.
Your support means the world to me, to caregivers, and to everyone fighting this disease. Let’s bypass the search engines and build my brand awareness the old fashion way.
With deep gratitude,
Greg