38-Year-Old Bryan Salter Inherited A Rare Form of Alzheimer’s

After losing his father a day after his 43rd birthday, Bryan Salter, who was still in high school reflects with regret at not understanding his father’s Alzheimer’s disease. He laments on feeling embarrassed about his dad’s symptoms.

Bryan Salter, 38, Diagnosed with a Rare-Inherited Form of Alzheimer’s

Today, Bryan lives with the fast-progressing-inherited Alzheimer’s that his father, uncles, and cousin had. These days, he works hard to overcome his own discomfort as he talks about living with the symptoms of this rare form of dementia. He focuses instead on unselfishly helping others through advocacy. He participates in clinical research to help find a cure. As he adjusts to short-term memory loss including losing keys, his wallet, and forgetting appointments, his “MOMager” helps guide him. He endures lumbar punctures (spinal taps), long MRIs, and PET scans for a week at a time. He realizes his participation will likely not help him or others who are living with Alzheimer’s; still, he’s investing in the future of those not yet diagnosed.

After a few teary-eyed admissions, at about 23 minutes, our interview takes a turn with some hearty laughter. For the record: I did NOT conspire with his mom to ask him those questions!  Whether or not he believed me, he was a good sport about it!

While he still works, he is aware of the future. For now, he adjusts to a new reality – being a young man in his prime whose potential is limited by this terminal disease. For a few moments, we share a little laughter.

THANK YOU, Bryan!

Watch this month’s VOICES with Dementia interview with Bryan Salter here:

For more:

View Bryan’s and his sister’s presentation at the DIAN Family Conference.