Mary Salter is in the unenviable position of being a “Momager” for two grown children with a rare form of inherited Alzheimer’s. No parent wishes this upon their children, but it was too late. She and her late husband and his family learned they had the Presenilin-1 gene after they started a family. Each child carries a 50-50 chance of inheriting this gene. By the “luck” of the draw, two of her three children now live with Alzheimer’s.
Years ago, Mary lost her husband to Alzheimer’s – a day after his 43 birthday. She had three teenagers to raise. In total, six Salter family members between the ages 37 to 44 have succumbed to this rare form of Alzheimer’s.
She has suffered in ways no Mom or Wife should. In response to my question regarding depression, she explains she’s living, “beyond depression… life has become a flatline.”
Yet, she holds out hope and advocates with every ounce of her being as “Mama Bear” for her children and grandchildren. She helps her son and daughter participate in research, knowing full well they may not be the beneficiaries. Her granddaughter is honoring her family’s inherited legacy with her own advocacy and career direction. When she turns 18, she wants to be tested for the gene. Beyond that, she has chosen her career path – neuroscience.
By Mary Salter’s example, this Mama Bear gives people hope and the knowledge that they can do something… ANYthing
View The Caregiver’s Voice interview with Mary Salter, AKA Mama Bear of Team Salter.
