Photos: Chuck and Joan, living with Alzheimer's
Joan Josephson started to show signs of Alzheimer's in 2005. Her husband, Chuck, is her caregiver.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson started to show signs of Alzheimer's in 2005. Her husband, Chuck, is her caregiver. He hired a certified nursing assistant to help him take care of Joan for several hours a day to give himself a break. He's been the sole caregiver for Joan for over 10 years. Friday October 21, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
In between weight machines, Joan Josephson spends some time talking with Frank Vergara at Mid-Vale Fitness Club on Wednesday November 16, 2016. Club members at Mid-Vale are aware of Joan's Alzheimer's and will often stop and talk to her.
Chuck and Joan
After falling down, Chuck Josephson tries to coax his wife, Joan, into standing up by herself. Chuck says one of his biggest fears is that he may be incapacitated and Joan wouldn't be able to get up by herself. Joan started to show signs of Alzheimer's in 2005. Wednesday October 19, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
While driving down to Nogales, Sonora for dental work, Chuck Josephson plays classical music in the car. Joan begins to gesture as if she's conducting the orchestra. Even with Alzheimer's, Joan still responds to music and will often play duets with her husband on the piano. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Chuck Josephson gives Joan a ride on his walker as they head towards the port of entry from Nogales, Arizona into Nogales, Sonora for dental work across the border. Joan fell in April 2015 and knocked out two of her teeth. The couple visits a dentist in Mexico since they do not have dental insurance. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson looks towards Jose Saturno, dentist for Border Dental in Nogales, Sonora, as he explains that he wants to check her implant as Chuck watches from outside the room. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson looks towards her husband, Chuck, for comfort as Jose Saturno, dentist for Border Dental in Nogales, Sonora, and Adriana Chavez, dental assistant, check her implant. In April 2015, Joan fell and knocked out two of her teeth. The couple crosses the border into Nogales, Sonora for dental work. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson is very friendly and likes to greet many people, including Adriana Chavez, dental assistant at Border Dental, and her daughter, Ariana Salazar in Nogales, Sonora. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
After a trip to the dentist in Nogales, Sonora, Chuck Josephson makes lunch for both him and Joan at their home. Thursday October 27, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson, brushes her teeth and gets ready for the day with help from Shantai Wells, a certified caregiver, on Wednesday November 16, 2016. Chuck, Joan's husband, hired Shantai to help care for Joan, who has Alzheimer's. After years of taking care of Joan by himself, Chuck says he needs help.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson spends time on a stationary bike at Mid-Valley Athletic Club on Wednesday November 16, 2016. Shantai Wells, her certified caregiver, brings Joan to the club several times a week to strengthen her legs and to help keep her busy during the day.
Chuck and Joan
Club members at Mid-Valley Athletic Club know Joan Josephson and are aware of her Alzheimer's. Loraine Chapman, standing, says hello to Joan as Shantai Wells, Joan's certified caregiver, far left, watches on Wednesday November 16, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson steals a piece of cucumber from the bowl as her husband, Chuck, makes a salad for dinner in their home. Joan started to show signs of Alzheimer's in 2005. The couple doesn't go out to eat very much since Chuck enjoys cooking at home. Thursday December 01, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Chuck Josephson adds some pepper to Joan's mashed potato as they sit down to dinner in front of the television. . Thursday December 01, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Chuck Josephson gets Joan ready for bed in the evening. The couple sleeps in separate bedrooms since Joan will sometimes get up in the middle of the night to walk around the house. Chuck says he'll leave a small snack for Joan to eat when she gets up. Thursday December 01, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
After a busy morning at the gym, Joan relaxes in her bedroom. Chuck tries to fill their days with errands to prevent Joan from lying down all day. Friday October 21, 2016.
Chuck and Joan
Chuck Josephson, second from right, is sole caregiver to his wife, Joan, to his right, who has Alzheimer’s. Here, they have a game night at the home of John and Carol Steffens.
Chuck and Joan
Chuck and Joan Josephson share a smile after playing a classical piece on the piano in their home. The couple first met in college when Chuck took a voice class and Joan was his accompanist. "When we're playing duets together she is more like she's always been," says Chuck, "there's no question of that."
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson, center, tries to follow the fitness instructor on raising her arms with weights during a silver sneakers exercise class at Mid-Valley Athletic Club.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson covers her face as her husband, Chuck, applies hairspray after combing her hair. Joan started showing signs of Alzheimer’s in 2005. Chuck is her sole caregiver and must help her get ready for the day.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson, seated, shares a moment with Ann Pfeifle during a visit at Joan's home. Ann says she and Joan met when they both attended the same church years ago. Ann stopped by for a visit after not seeing Joan and her husband, Chuck, for a couple of years.
Chuck and Joan
Joan Josephson is a little concerned as Dr. J.L. Greer works on her husband, Chuck, during an appointment at Sunrise Chiropractic, located at 102 S Kolb Rd. Chuck has a standing appointment several times a week. Joan likes to talk with people in the waiting room and with the staff.
Alzheimer’s patients suffer the gradual loss of the ability to make a decision of any kind. I’m not sure why this is the case.
Joan sometimes thinks her husband, Chuck, is their late son.
I sometimes feel a heightened sense of isolation and loneliness that is not easy to accept.
Whether Joan knows your name or not, she'll treat you as someone special.
Weekly award for good deeds in the community.