How Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms Can Teach You About Perseverance

WWhether you have experienced the effects of Alzheimer’s in your family, witnessed it from afar, or read about it, one thing is universally true: it is terrible.

But as painful as it is to endure this neurodegenerative disease, there is much to learn from it. Paralympic sprinter and four-time medalist Nick Mayhugh lives with cerebral palsy, and witnessing his grandfather’s journey with Alzheimer’s has helped him find more strength in his own life. “As an athlete, I bring courage, determination and inspiration to every competition,” he says. “That perseverance to push through adversity is something I learned from my grandfather.”

When he’s not training his mind and body for the next competition, Mayhugh focuses on spreading awareness for people with Alzheimer’s disease and encouraging early conversations with caregivers at the first signs of memory loss. “I wish I had more time with my grandfather and that he could have seen me compete in the Paralympics,” he says.

Here’s what Mayhugh learned about perseverance from his grandfather’s experiences with Alzheimer’s and its symptoms. And what you can learn from it, too.

Living with an invisible illness takes courage

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by an abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain, often starting in the temporal lobes where memories are stored, says neurologist Julie Schwartzbard, MD, FAAN. This buildup, which can begin 20 years or more before memory loss and other symptoms develop, gradually destroys memory and other important mental functions — and it all happens without any obvious, visible signs of disease.

“If someone is wearing a cast, we might assume they’ve broken a bone,” says Dr. Schwartzbard. “However, Alzheimer’s is one of many conditions that are not visible to the naked eye. This disconnect can leave a patient and their loved ones feeling misunderstood and overlooked, further isolating them from their community.”

Mayhugh’s grandfather, a longtime radio host, began his Alzheimer’s symptoms subtly. When his occasional word mix-ups led to forgetting details like names and dates, his family decided to get him tested. As his cognitive problems became more frequent, his grandfather began to lose his autonomy and rely more on others, which was hard for Mayhugh to watch. “His diagnosis was surreal,” he says. “My family initially dismissed his memory and thinking problems as something that just happens as you get older. So it was devastating to find out it was something more serious.”

The experience was no different for Mayhugh, whose diagnosis of cerebral palsy also came as a surprise. It wasn’t until he was 14 that doctors discovered the neurological condition, which affects body movement and muscle coordination. After receiving his diagnosis, Mayhugh found courage in remembering his grandfather’s perseverance and the strong relationship they shared. By drawing on that memory, he was able to turn his life around and become the successful athlete he is today.

Staying resilient is the key

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, before or after diagnosis, can be stressful. In some cases, loved ones (often referred to as “invisible second patients”) experience increased social isolation, financial hardship, and declining physical health.

Mayhugh remembers watching his family, including his grandfather, remain resilient as the disease progressed. While his grandfather lost things, forgot names and dates, and struggled to complete familiar tasks, Mayhugh stayed focused on his grandfather’s strength and channeled that energy into his athletics.

“As a track and field athlete and someone living with cerebral palsy, I know the importance of a strong start, which led to me winning three gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” Mayhugh said. “Now I want people living with Alzheimer’s to have a strong start on their journey by taking the steps needed to get a diagnosis as early and accurately as possible.”

Always stand up for yourself (and your loved ones)

It’s easy to dismiss Alzheimer’s symptoms as signs of premature aging. But it’s essential that people better understand the underlying causes of memory and thinking problems so you can identify symptoms in your loved one, make a possible diagnosis, and begin exploring possible treatment options. “The sooner a diagnosis can be made, the sooner intervention can begin,” Dr. Schwartzbard says.

Looking back, Mayhugh wishes he and his family had recognized the onset of cognitive issues earlier and advocated for his grandfather. “The little things matter,” he says, “so even though some symptoms may seem normal as we age, it’s essential to see a doctor.” He believes that earlier conversations with health care providers could have given his family more opportunities to make informed decisions about his grandfather’s health and given them more meaningful time together.

Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is devastating for both patients and their loved ones. But there is so much we can learn from those living with the disease. Listen to Mayhugh: Witnessing a journey like this can help you face your own challenges with more strength and determination, and make the most of your time with the people you love.

Nick Mayhugh is proud to partner with Eli Lilly and Company in their partnership with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee to support Team USA in Paris and show America what is possible when we refuse to accept the adversity that stands in the way of our goals.

If you would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit https://www.morethannormalaging.lilly.com/ and subscribe to the site to receive the latest information on memory and thinking problems.