Denver couple fights the stigma of Alzheimer's disease

DENVER — More than 90,000 people in Colorado are living with Alzheimer's today, and that number is expected to rise to 92,000 by 2025, according to the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado. Those affected, whether directly or indirectly, say there is a lot of stigma surrounding those numbers.

Those affected include more than 177,000 Colorado residents who work as unpaid caregivers, providing an estimated 307 million hours of support valued at more than $7.2 billion in 2023.

“You never know what life will throw at you and I never imagined in a million years that this would be our path in life,” said Ruth Fletcher, who, along with her husband Pat, shared her journey with the disease and offered advice on how to deal with a stigma that she said is very real.

Pat, 75, was diagnosed with the disease in October 2021 and began monthly Aduhelm infusions shortly thereafter. About a year ago, he switched to the drug Lequembi and noticed a slower progression of the disease.

“I hope Leqembi slows it down enough that they find a cure before it kills me. I pray for it and hope for it,” Pat said.

The couple, who have been married for 13 years, met while working at a hospice. Ruth was a nurse at the hospice and Pat was a volunteer. Pat also worked as a pilot for United Airlines and served as a pilot in the Navy. Since being diagnosed, one of their goals has been to fight the stigma of the disease, the Fletchers said.

“It doesn't affect your value as a human being at all, and if we can make a difference by talking about it openly… I know people today who don't want anyone to know they have Alzheimer's,” Ruth said. “We'll never get anywhere unless we're able to talk about it openly, confront it and push people to get early diagnosis and treatment.”

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) launched a five-year plan about a year ago to mitigate and reduce the impact of Alzheimer's disease and related neurological disorders on the Colorado population.

The plan focuses on several things, including promoting risk reduction, early detection and diagnosis, and improving outcomes for people living with the disease. Monica Maly of the CDPHE told Denver7 that the stigma of the disease is very real.

“Some people feel sadness, embarrassment, don't know how to move on after the diagnosis, and lose social connection,” says Maly, adding that the only way to overcome the stigma of Alzheimer's is to talk about the warning signs and risk factors.

When asked if she had noticed people looking at her differently after learning she had Alzheimer's, Ruth said there had been no real change in behavior when interacting with her closest friends, but added that she had noticed what she called a “distance” with friends who were not as close to her.

“Friends we communicate with long distance are stopping, withdrawing and not contacting us anymore,” she said. “I don't think they look down on Pat, but they are afraid.”

The Fletchers hope that by raising awareness of this disease, the stigma will be reduced and those affected will be able to live the life they deserve – a life that the Fletchers no longer take for granted.

“'Every day is a gift' is just not a cliche in our house anymore,” said Ruth. “When you realize that time is limited and you accept that, make friends with it, embrace it, it really forces you to live in the moment.”

World Alzheimer's Day, observed every year on September 21, is a global initiative to raise awareness and combat stigma about Alzheimer's disease and other related neurological disorders.