Dr. Joanna Fix, New Mexico, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s while in her forties. She tells the story of her diagnosis and how she advocates for altering the narrative as a survivor of the disease.
Dr. Joanna Fix, New Mexico, was leading a flourishing career as a college psychology professor and a law enforcement contractor. She began to notice signs that her executive functioning began to wane. Fueling her car, unloading the dishwasher … these became daily challenges for her. Eventually these issues lead to an involuntary retirement from her teaching career. After four years of tests to determine her diagnosis, Joanna was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at age 48. She is one of the 5% of those diagnosed who are under the age of 65. Despite this life-changing diagnosis, Joanna has become an advocate to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia, using her platform to change the tragic narrative of the disease. She shares a glimpse into her day-to-day life and how a very special opportunity allowed her to provide a new face to those living with Alzheimer’s. Her story is one of inspiration and hope for all her Tri Delta sisters touched by the disease.