How Support Changed My Life

With your support, the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan can be there for people like Curt and his family to provide help and resources to live well with dementia.

Please click here to donate today! Or, call 1-800-263-3367.

My name is Curt Koethler and I am 54 years old. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, I was the Manager of Industry Development for Tourism Saskatchewan then suddenly my whole world changed. 

I had never thought that I would have this disease, but I do and it has changed my life and my family and friends' lives forever.

My family and I first noticed changes like losing things, forgetting tasks like paying bills, getting lost when I came back to the office from an appointment, and doing things I didn't normally do before. 

I gave up driving and now my parents help me get around. My dad, we call him the “papa-taxi” because he will come help me anytime, anywhere, and my mom comes with me to every single appointment.

My parents are always at my side helping me out with whatever I need to do.

I feel lucky I have my parents and my children supporting me and taking care of me. With my family support, I am able to live my life as independently as I possibly can. 

I am a father to three wonderful children; Evan, Grady, and Nash who help me out a lot and know what's going on, and they're used to 'Dad' doing "wacky" things I wouldn't normally do. My son, Nash, is a wonderful person and is helping take care of me. He even put a tracker on me to know where I am at all times. Especially for someone who is younger, he really understands it and it's a big help. 

Yes, I do have Alzheimer’s disease, but that does not stop me from doing things I love.

I still do normal things like getting together with my friends, fishing and going to football games with my sons, and going out for lunch with my co-workers. I stay physically active by always getting my 10,000 steps in a day, playing tennis, and walking around the park with my dog.

I am not scared to meet somebody on the street and tell them that I have Alzheimer’s. Even though it sometimes throws people off a little bit.

I hope I am making a difference in sharing my story. I think the more we all talk about dementia, the more people will understand what different people are going through.

These are the cards that I was dealt with and from my perspective I had to come to terms with it and make the most of it. I have accepted it, and this is my journey.

I had no idea what to expect when I first came to the Alzheimer Society but calling them has turned out to be one of the best things that has happened.

Thanks to the support of my friends, family, and the Alzheimer Society, I am able to get out there and live my life-- and live my life well. 

The support I get from the Alzheimer Society is a big part of my life. There are phone calls to check in on me and I attend Minds in Motion; an exercise and social group.

Honestly, I feel great. My life is full, and I am still doing things that I enjoy in life. The Alzheimer’s Society has connected me with people going through a similar experience as me and given me the chance to share my story.

The Alzheimer Society is always there. They're always looking after us and keeping in touch. You can give them a call if you're having a bad day and it's nice to just have people to talk to. 

I am amazed to have so many wonderful friends and family surrounding me every day and the Alzheimer Society is a big part of that.

People with dementia like me need support and the Alzheimer Society is doing great work, so please donate. Donations are important and we need to do more research and find a cure. 

Sincerely,

Curt Koethler