POWERGRAMS

25 There's a stranger in the house. For Menzella Kiser, that's how it sometimes feels since her husband Greg's life has been consumed by early onset Alzheimer's. "I don't have my husband anymore," said Kiser, Southern Division executive secretary. "He was so outgoing and never met a stranger. He knew someone everywhere we went. Now we still see people who know him, but he doesn't remember them. I feel so helpless because there's nothing I can do to make him the person that he was." Menzella first suspected that something was terribly wrong five years ago when Greg began repeating himself, and often misplaced items, including all three sets of keys to her truck. After ruling out stroke or blood pressure issues as probable causes, Greg, who was 54 at the time, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. The disease is a rare form of dementia that affects people under age 65 and can lead to a decline in memory, reasoning and cognitive ability. According to the Mayo Clinic, only 5 percent of people with Alzheimer's develop symptoms before they are 65 years old. "I really felt like our whole world had just come crashing down," said Kiser. "Our kids were all grown and settled in their lives, and we were making plans for the future. Now we had this to face." When he was diagnosed, Greg was a self- employed diesel mechanic and was in top shape, exercising every day and eating a healthy diet. He was also a longtime competitive powerlifter and had won U.S. and world titles. At home, Greg was the "go-to" guy when anything needed repairing. But that has all changed for Menzella, who has had to learn how to do everything herself or ask for help. Now Greg rarely talks, is easily distracted and is losing his peripheral vision and hearing. Knowing the importance of continued exercise, Menzella often encourages him to join her for a walk or bike ride. Despite what she and her husband face every day, Menzella is fighting back. On Oct. 14, she led a team, made up mostly of family members, in the annual Montgomery-area River Region Walk to End Alzheimer's. Menzella first rallied family to join her in this walk two years ago. Greg, who has 10 brothers and sisters, is not the only member of his family touched by Alzheimer's: it claimed the lives of his mother and three uncles. "I have felt so helpless to do anything for Greg," said Kiser. "I don't think a cure will come in time for him unless it's a miracle from God. But I hope that by raising funds for research, a cure can come for the next generation." That first year, the team, which included 25 family members, raised more than $5,800. In 2017, the team more than doubled, with 60 family members collecting money through donations, a barbecue and a yard sale. They brought in more than $9,370 and were the top fundraisers for the second consecutive year. Menzella was the top individual fundraiser. "This year, we called ourselves Team Powerhouse to honor Greg more," said Menzella, who once again was a grand champion (a walker who brought in more than $1,000) and a top fundraiser. "His nickname among his gym friends is Powerhouse, and he also has a small tattoo on his arm that says 'Powerhouse.'" The annual walk at Auburn University at Montgomery is a precursor to Alzheimer's National Family Caregivers Month in November. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in Alabama. More than 5 million people nationwide are living with the disease, a number that may grow to nearly 16 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Helpful hands As Greg's condition has worsened, the load has become heavier for Menzella. In addition to working full-time, she makes all the decisions at home, picks out his clothing, makes sure he eats and takes his medicines, and drives him to doctor appointments and outings. A caregiver recently moved in with the couple full-time to take some of the pressure off Menzella's shoulders. Menzella said her family is nearby, daily offering a helping hand. The Kisers share a family farm near Montgomery with some of Greg's brothers and sisters. In addition, Menzella's sister and brother- in-law live next door. "Greg's siblings spend a lot of time with him, which gives me an opportunity to take care of things that I need to get done," Menzella said. "They and my sister also help me financially, because on a single salary, it's been a huge struggle." Menzella said she is grateful for support from friends and co-workers at Alabama Power. "It's tough at home sometimes," Menzella said. "I'm very blessed to have a wonderful manager (Southern Division Vice President Leslie Sanders) who supports me 100 percent. There are so many people around here that ask about Greg and say, 'Can I pray with you?' Work is like my sanctuary because it's so normal." Kourtni Hooks said Menzella's willingness to share her story as part of the opening ceremony at the walk each year has been an inspiration to others facing the same journey. "It really empowers our walkers and others who are affected, whether they are caregivers or people who are battling the disease," said Hooks, the Alzheimer's Association special events coordinator. "It creates a sense of community because a lot of times people don't talk about Alzheimer's and how it affects them. By being so brave in sharing her story, I think it comforts people and makes them feel they're not alone in caring for their loved ones." Alzheimer's changes world of former champion athlete by Carla Davis HEALTH Photo by Sandra Kiser

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