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- My parents moved in with us to care for my husband when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 46. (businessinsider.com)
Family Rallies Around Orlando Woman After Husband’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
ORLANDO, FL – When Zahydie Burgos’s husband, Francisco, affectionately known as Pako, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at just 46 years old, her world was undoubtedly shaken. But in the face of this challenging news, her family has stepped up in a profound way, offering crucial support that allows Burgos to navigate her husband’s illness while maintaining her career.
Pako, a former federal government lawyer, was always described as professional, kind, and considerate. However, in the fall of 2020, Burgos began to notice troubling changes.
Her “human calculator” husband, once meticulously organized with finances, started making unusual purchases. Amazon trucks became a frequent sight at their Orlando home, delivering unexpected items like hockey merchandise and expensive artwork, despite the couple having no interest in the sport or a shortage of wall space.
Initially, Burgos, a licensed psychologist, attributed these shifts to the immense stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspected depression. She sought help from top psychiatrists and therapists, but despite numerous medication adjustments, Pako’s condition continued to worsen.
Communication in their marriage, once a cornerstone of their 17 years together, became strained. Pako struggled with simple phone calls and even got lost on a familiar 10-minute drive to a doctor’s office.
The real turning point came in December 2021, when an eye doctor detected an abnormality, prompting an MRI. While it wasn’t a brain tumor, the scan delivered equally devastating news: Pako’s brain showed significant atrophy, resembling that of an 80-year-old.
On January 28, 2022, a neurologist confirmed the diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Burgos, then 41, was in denial, struggling to comprehend how someone so young could face such a diagnosis.
Pako, however, grimly stated, “I knew it,” having witnessed his own father’s decline from Alzheimer’s years prior. Further tests at Johns Hopkins University confirmed the genetic nature of his condition.
The couple initially kept the devastating news private for a year, grieving in silence with only Pako’s eldest brother and Burgos’s parents informed. But hope emerged with breakthroughs in early-stage Alzheimer’s treatments. Pako, now 50, has been on the medication Lequembi since spring 2023 and has participated in a clinical trial for Etalanetug for the past two years.
The most significant pillar of support arrived when Burgos’s parents, Roberto and Sara Burgos, retired in their 60s, moved from Puerto Rico into their Orlando home soon after the diagnosis. This selfless act has been instrumental in allowing Burgos to continue her full-time work while ensuring Pako receives the care he needs. Her 74-year-old father, Roberto, actively maintains his fitness, stating his desire to stay strong for Pako and Burgos.
While Pako retains a degree of independence, able to feed and bathe himself, he requires supervision, especially outside the home. Burgos praises her parents for their respectful approach, ensuring Pako eats and takes his medication without overstepping boundaries.
In February 2023, the couple finally shared the news with their wider family, who quickly formed a “village” of support. Pako’s siblings frequently visit, assist with appointments, and his 85-year-old mother calls daily from Puerto Rico. Family members have even joined them on “bucket list” excursions to places like Athens and Venice, ensuring they make the most of every precious moment together.
While Pako’s diagnosis has undeniably upended their lives, Burgos finds empowerment in advocacy. She actively works with Us Against Alzheimer’s to raise awareness about early detection and support for caregivers and individuals living with the disease. Above all, she expresses profound gratitude for the sacrifices and unwavering love of her family, whose dedication has made an immeasurable difference.