FRIENDS Magazine Fall 2010 - Banner Health

The
genetics of
Alzheimer's
disease
compels a
mother to
action.
A oer’s
For 12 years, Suzi Hilton
has watched her mother, Ann Bey,
slowly transform from the smart,
capable, beautiful woman
she once was into a shell
of her former self.
ig
The culprit behind her devastating transformation
Alzheimer’s disease. Now a mother herself, Suzi can’t help
but wonder what the genetic implications of the disease mean
for her family. But rather than stand by watching and waiting,
she’s doing her part to help those who may hold the key to unlocking
a future without Alzheimer’s.
Witnessing her mother’s decline and accepting that her children
will never enjoy a traditional relationship with their grandmother has
given Suzi a profound perspective on life within the framework of
Alzheimer’s. While her children, Sophie (9) and Harrison (5 ½) may be
too young to fully understand the complexity of grandma’s condition,
they do know she’s sick.
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