Facing Alzheimer’s with Family, Friends, Music, and Medication: One Woman’s Inspiring Journey

Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is life-changing. It brings fear, uncertainty, and grief—but it can also bring unexpected strength, deeper relationships, and even moments of joy. Just ask Joni Beck Brewer, a resilient woman from Golden, Colorado, who’s redefining what it means to live well with Alzheimer’s disease.

With her husband of 45 years, Bruce Brewer, by her side, Joni is using a powerful mix of FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatment, a deeply rooted support system, and her lifelong love of music to slow the progression of the disease and maintain a full, meaningful life.

Spotting the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early detection of Alzheimer’s symptoms is critical. Joni had no family history of Alzheimer’s, but she noticed something wasn’t right. During a phone call with a colleague, she couldn’t spell a simple word to write down a reminder. It was more than just a “senior moment.”

“I couldn’t remember how to spell it or even write the letters,” she said.

She also began forgetting important life events, like her children’s birthdays and the date she got married. With help from her nurse practitioner, Joni was referred to neurologists and speech therapists, eventually receiving a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s in January 2024.

Exploring New Alzheimer’s Treatments: Leqembi

Joni is among the first patients at UC Health to receive Leqembi infusions, a new Alzheimer’s drug recently approved by the FDA. This Alzheimer’s treatment is designed to reduce amyloid plaque in the brain and slow cognitive decline.

She began twice-monthly infusions of Leqembi in August 2024—just eight months after her diagnosis—and so far, the results are encouraging.

“There has been little to no progression of the disease,” Joni said.

Before starting treatment, Joni and Bruce carefully reviewed the potential risks of Leqembi, which include brain swelling and microhemorrhages. Fortunately, she does not carry the APOE e4 gene, which is known to increase those risks.

She also receives neurological evaluations every six months and periodic MRIs to monitor her brain’s health and track plaque removal progress.

Building a Support System for Alzheimer’s Care

Support is everything when you're navigating life with Alzheimer’s. Joni and Bruce immediately connected with the Alzheimer’s Association, participating in workshops and classes to better understand what lay ahead.

But what truly lifted their spirits was joining the Early-Stage Support Group, an online monthly meeting for those living with early Alzheimer’s symptoms.

“There’s something different about being with people who are also living with dementia,” Joni said. “We share our struggles, laugh, cry, and support each other without judgment.”

Raising Awareness with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Joni’s diagnosis didn’t stop her from stepping up. In fact, she created a team for the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a national fundraising event that supports Alzheimer’s research and care programs.

Her team, “Joni’s Journey to End Alzheimer’s,” raised over $5,000 last year. She now attends exclusive “Champion” events hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, gaining additional education and resources to help others on similar journeys.

Living a Full Life with Alzheimer’s: Joni’s Daily Routine

Despite her diagnosis, Joni is active, optimistic, and incredibly engaged with life. Her daily routine includes:

• Volunteering at an animal shelter
  
  
• Attending synagogue events
  
  
• Practicing yoga and working out at the gym
  
  
• Following the MIND diet, a brain-healthy eating plan
  
  
• Journaling and spending time with her grandson
  
  

She’s also part of a research grant helping to develop a Roadmap to Dementia, a guide that aims to assist patients and families navigating a diagnosis.

The Benefits of Music Therapy for Alzheimer’s Patients

One of the most powerful parts of Joni’s wellness plan is music. She’s always loved singing and previously participated in three choral groups. Though she stepped back due to the disease, she’s now channeling that passion into something new.

After learning that music therapy for Alzheimer’s can boost memory, mood, and cognition, Joni and Bruce decided to launch a local dementia choir in Denver—something the area currently lacks.

Research on music and Alzheimer’s shows that singing can improve verbal fluency, attention span, and emotional regulation, even as other cognitive abilities decline.

“Singing helps us reconnect with our past,” she said. “And it gives us joy when we need it most.”

Alzheimer’s Resources: What to Do if You or a Loved One Is Diagnosed

If you suspect early signs of dementia or have recently received a diagnosis, take these steps:

1. Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation

Early diagnosis means better treatment options, access to clinical trials, and more time to plan.

2. Explore Approved Alzheimer’s Medications

Drugs like Leqembi may slow progression if started early. Work with a neurologist experienced in Alzheimer’s care to discuss the pros and cons.

3. Join a Support Group

Connect with people facing similar challenges. Alzheimer’s support groups offer emotional validation, shared advice, and critical encouragement.

4. Stay Engaged and Active

Exercise, healthy eating, cognitive stimulation, and staying socially connected all support brain health.

5. Get Involved in Awareness and Advocacy

Events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s allow you to fundraise, raise awareness, and feel like part of a meaningful movement.

The Takeaway: Living Well With Alzheimer’s Is Possible

Joni Beck Brewer’s story is proof that even after a difficult diagnosis, there is hope, resilience, and purpose. With a mix of new Alzheimer’s treatments, a loving support system, and activities that feed the soul—like music—living well with early-stage Alzheimer’s is absolutely within reach.

Join the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

If you or a loved one is affected by Alzheimer’s disease, you're not alone. There are free resources, support networks, and treatment options that can help.

Learn more at alz.org  Call the 24/7 Alzheimer’s Helpline: 800-272-3900

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To refer someone, give us a call us at 718-608-4892.  Click here to refer someone and see our past contributions to this great cause.