This content was originally posted on Alz.org
Arthena Caston’s huge personality and earnest interest in everyone she meets has made her an
ideal person to share her experience with dementia. “I am always talking and I am always
listening.” As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisory Group,
Arthena is speaking out to break the stigma of Alzheimer’s for those who can’t.
At first, Arthena began noticing lapses in her memory at work. At home, some of her favorite
pastimes — cooking, reading and trips to her favorite crafting store — were becoming more
challenging. Then came the day she left her car running for an entire day in her work parking
lot. After that day, Arthena, her husband or her children couldn’t deny that something was
going on.
Arthena and husband Virous shared their concerns with her primary care physician, and after
visiting a neuropsychiatrist and seeing a neurologist, Arthena received her diagnosis of mild
cognitive impairment (MCI) at age 51. Arthena wasn’t going to take her diagnosis lying down. “I
had watched the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in my father, a strong military man who
became a shell of his former self. I didn’t want that to be my fate. Once I had my diagnosis, I
knew I had to take action for myself and my family.” Arthena called the Alzheimer’s Association
24/7 Helpline, and she was immediately connected with her local chapter.
Taking Action After a Diagnosis
Married for 28 years, Arthena’s greatest supporter is her husband, Virous. “He is my rock and
more proud of me than anyone I know,” she says. “He encourages me to be me.”
While Arthena’s diagnosis has changed their lives, communicating openly has made the
transition easier. “There is nothing to truly prepare you for going from two incomes to one, to
lose the opportunity to be empty nesters, retiring together, all those things we were supposed
to be enjoying,” Virous says. “But now I have to think about what happens if she isn’t here one
day.”
Together, Arthena and Virious are planning for their future, whatever that may be. “We faced
the emotions of Arthena’s diagnosis, but we also addressed the legal and financial implications
of her disease. We are using the resources and support the Alzheimer’s Association has to offer,
and Arthena is spreading awareness of these resources every day.”
Facing Stigma
Today, at age 54, Arthena has a renewed sense of purpose and passion for sharing what life is
like living with MCI. One of her passions is breaking the stigma of Alzheimer’s and dementia in
the African American community. “Through our shared history, we have faced a lot, and as a
black woman, I know it’s hard to face the darkness of dementia. That is why it’s my goal to face
my disease and the truth I can’t run away from. I am ready to help other people living with
dementia face that reality, too, and help educate those who aren’t familiar with how Alzheimer’s
and dementia affect us all.”
Although Arthena no longer has the attention span to read like she used to, she is still
passionate about being in the know and she has taken to spreading the word about Alzheimer’s
and dementia education in her community. “I spend my time at my beauty salon, where women
gather and talk about everything under the sun, and at local African American churches where I
can connect with people one-on-one. There isn’t one person I’ve met who hasn’t heard me
spread this awareness.”
The Joy of Getting Involved
Being involved in the Early-Stage Advisory Group has also been a joy for Arthena, who has
made close friendships with other members, who keep in consistent contact with each other,
checking on each other’s health and wellbeing, day to day. “It’s like having nine new brothers
and sisters!”
As a member of the group, Arthena highlights the importance of having conversations early,
when cognitive changes are first noticed. “Get tested. A lot of people just don’t want to know,
but how else can you plan for the best future possible? Don’t be afraid to tell your family what is
going on; they will find out eventually anyway. Why not make them your support system, and
part of the decisions to be made down the line?”
She also hopes to encourage others to live well with the disease. “It’s okay to be afraid, to cry, to
get mad, to question the diagnosis and ask ‘why me?’” she says. “But after the initial shock, start
thinking about how you can do everything you have ever wanted to do. Don’t be afraid to enjoy
your life.”
As for her biggest supporter, husband Virous will be there every step of the way. “Arthena is still
my bride, my queen. One thing I know for certain is that God put me on this earth to take care
of her, and that is what I am doing.”
Not only does Arthena have a strong support system — she has become one. “My life hasn’t
ended — It just has a new kind of beginning. I hope to touch someone with my story each day.
And I am embracing every moment.”
About: Arthena and her husband, Virous, live in Macon, Georgia with their two dogs, Sassy and
Shippo, who they walk three times a day, usually donning purple, the color of the Alzheimer’s
movement. They have two adult daughters serving in the U.S. Air Force, who call Arthena
multiple times a day, and a recent baby grandson.
