Wife's Diary Reveals Husband's Hidden Alzheimer's Battle

Emma Ruscoe discovered unsettling changes in her husband, Simon, around late 2015, years before his eventual diagnosis. What initially seemed like stress from his IT job became apparent as significant memory loss during a family holiday in Greece. Simon would repeat himself and then deny having had the conversation, causing arguments and frustration for Emma.

Despite Emma's growing concerns, medical professionals and even loved ones attributed her husband's symptoms to stress or her own perimenopause. Emma herself began to doubt her sanity, undergoing tests for menopause. This dismissal delayed Simon's diagnosis for nearly four years.

In early 2020, Simon, then 55, was officially diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's. While devastating, the diagnosis brought a sense of relief to Emma, who had fought for years to have her husband's condition recognized. The UK's average diagnosis time of three years for such cases was deemed 'disgusting' by Emma.

As Simon's condition has advanced, he has become non-verbal and requires constant care. Emma, who now works from home, is his primary caregiver, supported by their two sons and a small team of dementia nurses and support workers. While Simon's sharp wit and sense of humor are now fleeting, Emma finds comfort in moments when he still seems present.