Tom Mally spent six years caring full-time for his beloved wife, Amy, after she unexpectedly was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at age 50. Now, after taking six more years since Amy’s death to process what they went through, the Monument resident is back to share the knowledge he gained from his caregiving experience.
“I needed a break from Alzheimer’s,” Tom said as he looks back on his experience as a caregiver for his wife. Both Tom and Amy had just turned 50 when Tom’s healthy, athletic, nutrition-conscious, well-educated professional wife received the dreaded news.
“It took a while to get a diagnosis,” he noted. “She was taking medication for chronic depression, and severe depression can look like Alzheimer’s.”
Because of Amy’s age, the doctors tested her extensively, expecting the diagnosis to be something else. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s was confirmed. Tom was fortunate to be able to retire from his job to care for Amy full-time. He immersed himself in Alzheimer's Association educational classes to learn as much as he could about the disease to better care for his wife.
Tom also participated for many years in a support group, which helped him understand what likely lay ahead for him and Amy.
“You see people come in who are exasperated and don’t know what to do,” he said. “That and the educational programs of the Alzheimer’s Association helped me…helped me know what’s coming up. They’re good programs. They help you see here’s where you’re at, and here’s what you have to get ready for.”
Now, 12 years later, Tom is leading those education classes.
“I’ve gone through it,” he said. “I’ve been a caregiver. I’ve called the Helpline in the middle of the night. I dealt with the shock of my wife’s diagnosis at age 50. That gives me a bit more gravitas as an educator. It’s my turn to be a teacher. I think I can help people.”
To learn more about the educational programs and services offered by the Alzheimer's Association, all at no charge to families, go to
alz.org or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.