Gwen Richards

Early-Stage Advisor
Alzheimer’s Association

Gwen Richards was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s

disease in 2008 at the age of 54.
Prior to her diagnosis, Gwen worked for Yellow Roadway
Corporation (YRCW). Hired in as a clerk, Gwen advanced
throughout the years to the position of Application Analyst III. On
the day of her diagnosis, Gwen returned to the office, met with
her manager, and left her job after 25 years of service. Gwen
was placed on short-term disability status with YRCW and is
currently on inactive status until the earlier of 24 months or until
coverage under Medicare becomes effective. At such time her
status will change to terminated according to documentation from YRCW.
Gwen first noticed a change in her behavior at work when she experienced trouble
retaining information and performing tasks that had previously not been an issue.
She was constantly overwhelmed, irritable, forgetful, found it necessary to
constantly take notes to capture information and avoided situations where she
might encounter being asked a question. Gwen sought medical assistance and
was told she was experiencing normal stress. She was prescribed an
antidepressant, which confined her to bed.
Having watched her mother and oldest brother struggle and ultimately succumb to
Alzheimer’s, and an older sister diagnosed with the disease, Gwen was pretty sure
she knew what was wrong. She first scheduled an appointment with her general
practitioner who felt her problem was stress related. She then visited with a
neurologist and eventually underwent a battery of exams, including two MRIs,
Brain Metabolic Evaluation, MRA Circle Willis, sleep study and neuropsychological
assessment. In 2008, Gwen received the diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
The diagnosis was devastating, but she was relieved to know the reason for her
symptoms.
As a member of the national 2010 Early-Stage Advisory Group, Gwen would like to
raise awareness of the stigma that comes with the disease. She would also like
the media to recognize that Alzheimer’s does not discriminate based on age or
race.
 LIBBY EMBRY

EARLY-STAGE ADVISOR
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Libby Embry was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s

disease in 2007 at the age of 59.

Prior to her diagnosis, Libby was a middle school English teacher

in Abilene, Texas where she taught advanced classes and
established a pre-AP program. Libby was head of the English
department for more than 10 years and was named Region XIV
Teacher of the Year in 2007.

Libby first noticed a change in her behavior when she began

getting lost while driving to locations she frequented, having
difficulty deciphering between green and red traffic lights and
could no longer multi-task at work. Libby noticed her symptoms a year before her
husband began to recognize her confusion. Libby retired from teaching and one
year later received her diagnosis.

Libby’s family doctor referred her to a neurologist, who ordered CT scans, MRI and
additional exams to rule out other diseases. The neurologist sent her to see a
neuropsychologist, who performed extensive testing. In 2007, after two months of
testing, Libby received the diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to being a member of the national 2010 Early-Stage Advisory Group,

Libby attended the 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Action Summit in
Washington D.C.

As an Early-Stage Advisor, Libby wants to advocate for early detection and

research. She hopes her position as an Early-Stage Advisor will provide a platform
for her to inform others that life after diagnosis is not only possible but also
rewarding. “Some people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease sit down and wait
for the disease to run its course. I will not do that. I will have control of my life as
long as I possibly can.”

Libby lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband, Jerry. Libby and Jerry have a son
Clint (age 38) and a daughter, Lara, (age 34) and three beautiful grandchildren,
Synotl (age 12), Eileen (age 9) and Xander (10 months).