Lisa Marshall has been caring for her husband Peter since he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 at 53. If Lisa Marshall knew one thing for sure, it was her “soul mate” husband.
The 54-year-old woman from Connecticut is the guardian of her husband Peter Marshall, who was initially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, she said today. According to the Mayo Clinic, the devastating neurological disorder affects nearly 6 million people in the United States aged 65 and over and is primarily associated with progressive memory loss.
“I don’t know anything about Alzheimer’s,” said Lisa, noting that Peter was only 53 years old. “It’s something you get when you’re 80 years old. I don’t know anything about that. I do not know anything. I knew he would leave quickly, but I denied it.”
While Alzheimer’s disease causes memory loss, the disorder can cause several other symptoms, including depression, mood swings, irritability, and delusions. When Lisa took on her responsibilities, she started documenting the journey on the Oh, Hello, Alzheimer’s Facebook page.
“Every morning while I start my eyes, I see visions like this one meter from my face,” Lisa wrote in a recent post on the page that included a photo of Peter lying in bed next to the floor where he sat. “My dear soul, who sits quietly on the floor of my makeshift bedroom in the office. Peter waited patiently for my eyes to open.”
While it is difficult to navigate this new chapter in their lives, the couple, who have been married for 12 years according to WNBC, have made it through the strength of their relationship. Peter reminded Lisa of his love last year when he saw the wedding scene on TV. As they sat together, Peter asked his wife if she would marry him, forgetting that they had made an oath long ago.