About Team Alzie

Sharon Masciale - Chief Executive Officer

I'm an Alzie, It's a thing!

This saying represents us as individuals who are high functioning with dementia. We are dedicated to bringing awareness to dementia along with early diagnosis to our communities. Our vision is to join and share.

Sharon Masciale

Peggy Marchini - Director

I come from a medical family. My mom and oldest sister are nurses and my other sister is a social worker. I continue to practice part time as a Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Educator. I first met Sharon as an interior designer in 2016 as we were her clients (my home looks amazing, by the way).

I was inspired by her energy and creativity. I actually started writing her quotes down. Like: “Every time I meet a new person, I become a better person”. Our friendship was organic. As time went on, our husbands connected and our business relationship became a friendship.

Five years ago, Sharon asked me to help with a virtual support group. I was the ally and she was the ALZIE. Since then, our vision and our mission continues to grow and flourish.

Peggy Marchini

Chris Pavlovich - Chief Operating Officer

My name is Chris Pavlovich, and I am from Gig Harbor, Washington. I spent many spring breaks visiting family in Surprise, Arizona and have always loved it here. I graduated from Bellarmine Prep in 2014 and found myself studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. While in college, I worked on campus at the CoSINE Help Desk, supporting faculty across several departments. This opened the door to a Technical Marketing and Engineering position at Intel's Hawthorn Farm campus, which eventually led me to start my own technology company here in Arizona.

Peggy and Sharon hired me to build the web site for I'm an Alzie, and we enjoyed working together so much that they offered me a position on their team. I have been working hard since to help build the non-profit, especially with technical and logistics decisions.

My field of study is Computer Science, but my passion is for all types of computer and software engineering. Nothing makes me happier than using my experience to help people be successful with technology.

Sharon Masciale

Navigating Life with Early-Stage Dementia

The Unseen Struggles of High-Functioning Individuals

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses a range of conditions characterized by cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Each type has its own set of symptoms and progression patterns, but all share the common thread of diminishing cognitive function.

Dementia is often associated with significant memory loss and cognitive decline that disrupt daily life. However, in its early stages, many individuals continue to function at a high level, maintaining their careers and personal responsibilities. Despite appearing to lead a normal life, these individuals face unique challenges that are frequently overlooked.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease: The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired thought processes due to the degeneration of brain cells.

Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or other blood vessel issues, leading to problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory, and other thought processes.

Lewy Body Dementia: Marked by abnormal deposits of protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain, this type causes symptoms such as visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and Parkinsonian movements.

Frontotemporal Dementia: This type affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.

Subtle Cognitive Changes

Early-stage dementia can manifest as minor memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or trouble multitasking. High-functioning individuals might forget recent conversations, misplace items more frequently, or find it harder to learn new information. While these changes may seem insignificant to others, they can cause considerable anxiety and self-doubt.

Emotional Impact

Living with the knowledge of a dementia diagnosis can lead to a range of emotions, including fear, frustration, and sadness. High-functioning individuals may grapple with the stress of concealing their symptoms, worrying about the future, and feeling a loss of control over their lives. This emotional burden can affect their overall well-being and relationships.

Workplace Challenges

Continuing to work while managing dementia symptoms presents its own set of difficulties. Concerns about job performance, fear of stigma, and the potential for discrimination can be overwhelming. Individuals might struggle with complex tasks, deadlines, or adapting to new technologies, leading to increased stress and the need for workplace accommodations.

Social Isolation

The fear of being misunderstood or judged may cause some individuals to withdraw socially. They might avoid situations where their cognitive lapses could become apparent, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Maintaining friendships and social networks becomes more challenging, yet these connections are vital for emotional support.

Coping Strategies

To manage their symptoms, high-functioning individuals often develop coping mechanisms such as:

Organizational Tools: Using planners, calendars, and reminder apps to keep track of appointments and tasks.

Routine Establishment: Creating consistent daily routines to reduce the cognitive load.

Simplification: Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.

Future Planning

The progressive nature of dementia necessitates planning for future care and decision-making. High-functioning individuals must consider legal and financial preparations, which can be daunting and emotionally challenging. Balancing hope for the future with practical considerations adds another layer of complexity to their lives.

Support Systems

Access to supportive resources is crucial. This includes:

Medical Support: Regular consultations with healthcare professionals to monitor and manage symptoms.

Counseling: Psychological support to address emotional and mental health needs.

Community Resources: Support groups and organizations that provide information and assistance.

Conclusion

High-functioning individuals with early-stage dementia face a multitude of unseen struggles as they navigate daily life. Recognizing and understanding these challenges is essential for providing appropriate support. Empathy from employers, colleagues, friends, and family can make a significant difference, helping individuals maintain their quality of life while managing the complexities of the condition.