Support Casey Howshar - Alzheimer's Fund

Our wife and mother, Casey Howshar, is in the severe/late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Like many families that have experienced this illness, it was met by ours with confusion, embarrassment, and reluctance to accept its grip on my mom and to receive a diagnosis for many years. If you know anything about Alzheimer’s, you may know that it is progressive, and there is no cure, so there is not much you can do to slow its progress or change her current condition. However, we are remiss in that we could have been more prepared for this moment because things are really bad for our mom right now.

The disease has progressed extremely fast and aggressively. For those who don’t know much about early-onset Alzheimer’s vs late-onset Alzheimer’s: Late-onset is the much more common type, generally beginning after age 65. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is a relatively rare form of the disease usually diagnosed in individuals under the age of 65 -- usually in their 40s and 50s. Casey is 57. Early onset is also much more aggressive and progresses faster…and that’s something we’ve observed in these last few months.

Right now, Casey has extremely limited speech (Aphasia) and is completely reliant on having me or my dad translate for her. She also needs constant care, and help with routine tasks like cleaning/bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, etc. She's had extreme episodes over the past weeks and is becoming a bit more aggressive and physical. After our last consultation with her primary neurologist - it’s been communicated that she does not have much time left with us - maybe a year if we’re lucky.

Within the last 2 months, our mom has been experiencing hallucinations, has trouble eating, sleeps most of the time, and can become combative. She cannot be left alone for even a minute and needs around-the-clock care. Her dementia and confusion are so strong at times, we are concerned for her safety. You know what a loving, kind, and blissful soul our mom was, and so it is clear the disease has a strong hold of her. It’s been really tough, but we’re hoping to give her the best life possible at this point and enjoy every moment.

This has all happened so fast, and Casey needs some immediate care. We have promised to not take her to a home, even before the disease was prevalent - and we will uphold that promise until there is an absolute need to transition to a full-time facility.

Many family and friends have asked about Casey’s condition and have asked what you could do to help. Our family appreciates your concern so very much, and we do not expect anything, however, it is a priority to get ourselves prepared for the immediate and unexpected costs that will ultimately result from this disease (ie. part-time at-home care, RN, unexpected ER visits, hospice, funeral, etc).

I am still shocked by the speed and severity of this horrible disease. It feels like yesterday that I was on a trip to the Redwoods with her, that she was at Eisenhower Rec Center playing pickleball with her friends on a Sunday, talking to all of her childhood friends about which hike they were going to do together next. This is the unfortunate reality of this disease, and why it is so necessary and important to educate, advocate, and support organizations dedicated to finding a cure (foundations like Alzheimer’s Association, for example).

Below is a list of links for 3 purposes - Education, Donation, and Scheduling.

I encourage you to check them out.

Education:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/younger-early-onset

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages?#severe

Donation:

Schedule a visit with Casey:

Send all emails to [email redacted]

I hope every one of you is doing well and thank you for being a part of Casey’s life - I sincerely appreciate every one of you.

I’m wishing you all health, happiness and love,

The Howshar Family

(John, Matt, Erik, Samantha)

Contact info:

Matt Howshar

303-909-5861