I Was Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 70… Here’s How I Turned My Life Around

Photo courtesy of Arthur Ronald Gooden Living with Alzheimer’s disease can be both challenging and frightening. However, stories of resilience and hope can inspire those in similar situations. One such story is that of Arthur Ronald Gooden, known as Ron to his loved ones. A former community college professor, Ron’s experience highlights the significant impact of early detection. Ron’s journey began around 70 years old while he was still actively teaching. He started noticing frequent memory lapses, which initially seemed like typical “senior moments.” However, these incidents became more frequent and severe. He found himself forgetting students’ names and even simple daily tasks when he was in the middle of a lecture. This forgetfulness went beyond the occasional misplaced keys or forgotten appointments. “Imagine, you’re in the middle of teaching, and suddenly, you can’t remember what you were saying. It was happening more and more often,” Ron recalls. This growing concern prompted him to seek medical advice. Upon consulting his doctor, Ron was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s. This news was initially devastating, as it signaled the potential end of his teaching career, a profession he loved deeply. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Ron approached his diagnosis with a problem-solving mindset....