no it is a disease

I think we have both been pretty open with it. I wanted people know why I retired early. I didn't want people to think I was pushed out. My wife works for a hospital so there was no reason for her to sugar coat it either. She has been open about it also.

@A myALZteam Member: Alzheimer's is a disease, and I think if you remind yourself of that, it will be much easier. If he had heart disease, or diabetes, or some other disease, you probably wouldn't be embarrassed. The brain is just another organ in our bodies, and this particular disease just happens to attack the brain -- and if he had a brain tumor, would you be embarrassed? If you think it through, you'll probably do much better and will stop feeling embarrassed. It's an incredibly sad disease.

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A myALZte...

I don't think I was ever embarrassed, but it was necessary when she would approach strangers as long time friends and babble at them. Not everyone would understand her illness.

I have never felt embarrassed when I am honest in situations that lend itself to that. Just sad as I know it means this is all real and will only worsen. I think peoples love and support have made me feel that we're not alone. Nothing to be ashamed of, no ones fault, and so many are effected by this devastating disease that we all need to be championing better care, more research and more awareness and compassion,