<\/p>\n
Rob Kennedy of Clarks Green always prided himself on learning technologies quickly. As a highly certified systems control engineer, it was not just his profession, but also his passion.<\/p>\n
That all changed one day in January 2024. Rob was waiting in the office of his wife, Diane, who worked with him in the University of Scranton\u2019s information technology department, as she wrapped up some work duties before they went to lunch. \u201cHe said to me, \u2018I don\u2019t know how to do my job,\u2019\u201d Diane said. \u201cHe had never phrased it that way before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rob had experienced memory issues in 2015, but his symptoms subsided with stress management. This time was different. He could no longer perform the job he had for decades. \u201cI wasn\u2019t me anymore,\u201d Rob said. \u201cI knew something was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Kennedys were referred to a neurologist, who ordered a spinal tap to rule out Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. Instead, they learned Rob was in the disease\u2019s early stages at 57 years old.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s typically affects people over the age of 65.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, that same year, the Food and Drug Administration approved an infusion therapy called Leqembi, which is said to curtail cognitive decline. \u201cWe like to think it\u2019s helped,\u201d said Diane. \u201cIt certainly doesn\u2019t hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even more helpful has been Rob\u2019s resolve to live life to the fullest. Because he could no longer work, Diane began worrying while she was at work. She convinced him to check out Hillside Senior Community Center in South Abington Township, which offered classes for yoga and meditation and served as a space for a support group called Koffee Klatch.<\/p>\n
It took some time for Rob to speak up in the group.<\/p>\n
\u201cI sat there and watched and listened for two months,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The group warmly welcomed him from the start, however, and provided an outpouring of support when he finally opened up about his diagnosis. Rob also learned of other helpful resources, including the Memory Cafe at The Gathering Place, Clarks Summit. Now, he said, he\u2019s one of the people welcoming new members who are as nervous as he was on his first day.<\/p>\n
He also wanted to exercise his mind. Rob began oil painting classes at Hillside, and broadened his interest in music by borrowing albums from friends to rediscover his musical tastes. He also learned to play guitar.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to learn new things, instead of making myself miserable trying to relearn what I lost,\u201d Rob said.<\/p>\n
Now, some of his paintings are displayed around town, and he can play Johnny Cash\u2019s \u201cI Walk the Line\u201d and Patsy Cline\u2019s \u201cI Fall to Pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt keeps my brain busy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Rob soon realized he wanted to do more through public speaking. He has spoken at the Pennsylvania State Capitol and at many events, including conferences at Geisinger and the Wright Center. He has guest lectured at the University of Scranton and served as a representative for the Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre Walk to End Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Rob advises anyone with a loved one with dementia to be patient.<\/p>\n
\u201cGive them the space and the time for their thoughts and words to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for those living with memory loss, he said to seek out community. \u201cYes, there\u2019s a lot of vulnerability, \u201c he added. \u201cBut that vulnerability is met with a lot of support and connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
These days, the Kennedys try not to worry about the future, preferring to ask, \u201cHow do we make today successful?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rob said that, at 59, he remains hopeful about his journey. He continues to use his story to educate, support, and encourage Alzheimer\u2019s patients and their loved ones by letting them know that the diagnosis does not define them.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may have lost a lot of who I was before, but in some ways, I have more than I ever had,\u201d he said. \u201cI may not be the person I was, but I\u2019m proud of the person I\u2019ve become.\u201d<\/p>\n
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