01/15/2026
“Until you’re faced with it in your own family, you don’t really understand it.”
That’s what Bev shared about her husband, Barrie, who decided to join an Alzheimer’s research trial at our clinic. She first noticed changes during a move, when organizing boxes suddenly became confusing for him. Their doctor confirmed early Alzheimer’s, and when they relocated to Ottawa, their son suggested the Memory Clinic as a way to access the support they needed.
“I have a family history of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, so I thought maybe participating could help someone down the road,” Barrie explained. “I was open to it.”
What stood out most for both of them was the connection with the team.
“The staff helped me understand my condition,” he said.
Bev added, “They encouraged us to ask questions and always took the time to explain what they could.”
Their experience also highlighted how different the disease can look from one person to another. “No two families go through the same thing,” Bev explained. Joining a caregiver group opened her eyes to the many ways Alzheimer’s can evolve.
Today, they strongly believe in acting early.
“The sooner you get evaluated, the more prepared you can be,” Bev said. “Information gives you options — and hope.”
✨ This story is part of Humans of Memory Clinic, a series highlighting the real people and moments that bring meaning to Alzheimer’s research at our clinic. Together, these stories remind us that research is also about people, memories, and hope. 💙
