BROOKFIELD, Wis. — As Dan and Barbara Johnson flip through their wedding album, they reminisce on that special day 51 years ago on Oct. 30. 

“Here’s us, we look like teenagers,” said Dan Johnson. 

They met through a mutual friend after graduating college, dated for a year, and then tied the knot before having two children. 

“It’s amazing how much these color photos have faded,” he said.

While the photos continue to fade, for Dan Johnson, the memories are still present. For Barbara Johnson, not so much. 

“We started seeing signs of likely Alzheimer’s or some memory issues maybe a year prior to her diagnoses,” Dan Johnson said.

He took on the role of Barbara Johnson’s caregiver 11 years ago after her diagnoses. 

“A very smooth, slow, almost predicable glide path as her needs increase,” he said.

Recently, she’s relied heavily on her husband. 

“The pace of her change has accelerated, and it’s going more quickly,” Dan Johnson said. 

While he knew being her caregiver wouldn’t be easy, it’s starting to weigh on him. 

“What we’re doing now is someways as difficult as it is, I don’t want it to end,” said Dan Johnson. “That’s not realistic. That’s how I feel. I’m having a hard time of coming to grips what’s next. Accepting it is another thing.” 

He turns to family, friends and Alzheimer's groups for support. 

“It’s not possible for me to overstate how helpful that was,” he said. “I would urge anyone who is at the early stage of this to get as much help as you can and specifically get in touch with the Alzheimer’s Association.” 

Jennifer McAlister, with the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter, said the strongest thing a caregiver can do is to not go through this journey alone. 

“To really lean into the strengths of other people who can help them,” said McAlister. “When you reach out early, you have an opportunity to learn and think about things you wouldn’t consider.” 

While Barbara Johnson’s disease is unpredictable, Dan Johnson continues to enjoy time with his wife. 

“Taking care of my spouse who has Alzheimer’s is very challenging and difficult, but it’s what I should be doing,” he said. “This is the thing I should be doing.” 

He continues to follow the vows they exchanged 51 years ago, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always. 

The Alzheimer’s Association said 120,000 people suffer from the disease here in Wisconsin and 198,000 are caregivers. For resources on being a caregiver, click here. 

Barbara Johnson used to write a blog for the association, called “Barb’s Buzz.” She wrote about her experience with Alzheimer’s. Those interested can read those here.