URGENT UPDATE: A family in Orlando is navigating the profound challenges of early-onset Alzheimer’s after Zahydie Burgos’s husband, Pako, was diagnosed at just 46 years old. This heart-wrenching journey highlights the urgent need for awareness and support for families facing similar battles.
In a deeply personal account, Zahydie Burgos, a licensed psychologist, reveals the drastic changes in her husband’s behavior that began in fall 2020. Pako, once a meticulous lawyer for the federal government, started exhibiting unusual purchasing habits, including ordering numerous hockey items despite having no interest in the sport.
“Amazon trucks drove up to our house three or four times a day,” Zahydie recalls. The couple, married since 2010, initially attributed these changes to stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite seeking help from top psychiatrists and therapists, Pako’s condition only worsened.
In late December 2021, a visit to the eye doctor led to a shocking MRI result: Pako’s brain appeared to be atrophied, resembling that of an 80-year-old man. On January 28, 2022, they received the devastating diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“I was a hot mess; in denial. I said, ‘How can that be? He’s only 46,’” Zahydie shared.
With Pako’s father having died from Alzheimer’s in 2012, the couple faced the grim reality of a genetic predisposition. After a year of silence to grieve, they began to share their story with family in February 2023, fostering a supportive network that now includes Pako’s siblings and parents.
Recognizing the importance of care, Zahydie’s parents, Roberto and Sara Burgos, moved from Puerto Rico to Orlando to help. Zahydie credits them for enabling her to work full-time while caring for Pako. “My father walks 30,000 steps a day to stay fit and support us,” she said.
Despite the escalating challenges of Alzheimer’s, Pako has remained active. Zahydie emphasizes that he can still feed and bathe himself but requires supervision, especially outside their home.
The family has embraced life through travel, visiting places like Athens and Venice as part of their “bucket list” tours. Zahydie has become an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, emphasizing the importance of early detection and support for caregivers.
“Pako’s diagnosis has upended our lives, but it has also been empowering,” she stated. The family’s love and sacrifices shine through as they navigate this difficult journey together.
This story serves as a crucial reminder of the impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s and the importance of community support. Zahydie’s advocacy through organizations like Us Against Alzheimer’s shines a light on the urgent need for public awareness.
As families like the Burgos’s face these challenges, the call for increased understanding and support for Alzheimer’s care has never been more critical.
