"HIS will be done. Not MY will be done."  Chris
                                                                                  

To our shock, Chris was diagnosed with Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease on July 3rd by his neurologist Dr. Brice McConnell at the Memory Disorders Clinic in Aurora, CO.  His neurologist has never had a young-onset patient before Chris, as young-onset is RARE and is only about 5% of the Alzheimer's population.  It also tends to be more aggressive.

After doing a spinal tap, it was discovered that not only did Chris have Alzheimer's, but the amount of amyloid beta in his spinal fluid revealed he's already had it for about 5 years.  We were devastated to find this out though it did answer a lot of questions Chris and I had regarding his declining memory throughout the years.

Chris had genetic testing last Friday to see if he carries any of the rare young-onset genes.  We will find out in two weeks.  Pray he does not for a multitude of reasons.  If he does however, there is a particular clinical trial he will qualify for that could possibly help him though with clinical trials there is a 50% chance he would receive the placebo - so you take a risk and also do it for the good of mankind and a cure for the future.

His neuro is setting him up with Palliative Care and also testing his hearing and eyes as they say they need to be used at maximum capacity or these areas of the brain will die faster.

They also ordered a swallowing test as sometimes he chokes when he eats and drinks because his swallowing is delayed.  They may begin therapy that teaches him how to swallow more carefully and deliberately. I'm supposed to sit with him at mealtimes and make sure he eats and drinks carefully. 

I now help him throughout the day in countless ways as his short term memory is very affected.  I help with the calendar and activities throughout the day and with meals and hydrating as he's losing his appetite and signals for hunger and thirst.  I also make sure he's wearing his oxygen at night because he no longer remembers to put it on/turn it on for his Central Sleep Apnea (once thought due to altitude but now Alzheimer's).  I'm also in charge of his meds as he doesn't remember to take them.  He has been titrating up on Aricept (for memory) and is using the patch.  Once he's at the highest dose, his doctor will also add Nemenda.

He is very tired.  He tries to keep up exercise (trail running is his favorite) and working on the house, but he also has to stop and rest or take naps.  This is one of the hardest things for me to see as I am used to him having lots more energy and engaging more.  

Chris had to stop working as he was forgetting how to use his gear, editing software and the complexities of projects were just becoming too difficult.  This has been one of the most devastating things for him as he had many hopes and dreams and ideas as an artist and filmmaker but I'm going to write more about that later.  Fortunately, there's more than enough activity going on and things to do here at the Hooper House which is a good thing because the doctors want him to stay as active and engaged for as long as possible.  He still drives some, when he's feeling good, but is fazing out and Mahala is learning how to drive.  

There is actually sooo much to say that I will pick up where I left off and write again soon...

Please pray for us as this has really rocked our world.  

Some prayer requests: 
1). Peace upon our hearts and minds
2). Increased faith
3). More time 
4). Ease with the financial burden
5). That we would be fearless in the face of this disease
6). That he would defy the odds and live longer than we ever thought possible
7). Chris's prayer nearly everyday is that he would get to see our girls grow up
8). Health to keep fighting...

We couldn't go through this without you all and your love, support and prayers carrying us.  
Thank you and bless you,
Lisa ;-)

Pictured:
1) morning prayer 2) a great sport at the countless doctor appts. 3) resting on our porch 4) Chris and Luka