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Candace Parker Remembers Pat Summitt in Post Game Interview

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Tennessee Alum, Candace Parker, pays tribute to the late Volunteer coach Pat Summitt in her post game interview. Parker registered 31 points. 13 rebounds and 7 assists in the Sparks win.

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Pat - "Sometimes I wish God hadn't given me so many issues."

Sally- "What kind of issues?"

Pat- "Personal issues."

Sally- "Can you tell me about them?"

Pat- "I guess they made me who I am. I guess they made me better. One thing I've learned."

Sally- "What?"

Pat- "How powerful God is."

-April 14, 2012, Knoxville, Tennessee, eleven months after diagnosis.

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The Lady Vols Legacy, A Tribute To Pat Summitt

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Help support the movement to bring back the Lady Vols Logo! Beginning July 1st, 2015 The Lady Vols Logo and Legacy will be seemingly eliminated from all Women's sports, save basketball, at the University of Tennessee.

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What is Early-Onset Alzheimer's?

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Young-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before age 65

When Alzheimer's begins in middle age, misdiagnosis may be more likely. This rare form of Alzheimer's affects work, finances and family.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
What is young-onset Alzheimer's?

Young-onset Alzheimer's disease is an uncommon form of dementia that affects people younger than age 65. The condition also is called early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Most people with Alzheimer's are age 65 and older. About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older in the United States has Alzheimer's disease. About 110 of every 100,000 adults between ages 30 and 64 have young-onset Alzheimer's.

Family history of disease

For most people with young-onset Alzheimer's, the cause is not related to any single gene. Researchers don't fully know why some people get the disease at a younger age than others do.

Risk factors for young-onset Alzheimer's disease include a family history of the condition. Having a parent or grandparent with young-onset Alzheimer's increases the risk of developing the disease. But a family history of the disease doesn't mean you will necessarily develop the disease.

Genes that cause young-onset Alzheimer's

Less commonly, young-onset Alzheimer's is caused by a specific error in a gene, called a genetic mutation. Genetic mutations can be passed from parent to child.

Three different genes may have a mutation that causes young-onset Alzheimer's disease. These genes are APP, PSEN1 or PSEN2. A person who inherits at least one copy of a mutated gene will likely develop Alzheimer's disease before age 65.

About 11% of people with young-onset Alzheimer's carry a genetic mutation that causes disease. But among all people with Alzheimer's disease, fewer than 1% carry one of these causal genes.

Genetic testing for these mutations is available. If you have a family history of young-onset Alzheimer's, you may want to do genetic testing. But genetic counseling is recommended for learning about the pros and cons of being tested before taking that step.

For example, if you know that you carry a young-onset gene, you may be able to take steps to make it easier for you and family members to cope with the effects of the disease. On the other hand, identifying a gene for young-onset Alzheimer's may affect your ability to get long-term care, disability and life insurance.

If you have young-onset Alzheimer's linked to one of the three genes or if you carry a form of these genes without symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional about participating in a research study. By studying the young-onset form of Alzheimer's, researchers hope to learn more about the causes and progression of the disease. This research also may lead to new treatments.

Accurate diagnosis is critical

Memory loss or other symptoms of dementia may be caused by a number of conditions. So it's important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. A diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's may be delayed because it's not expected in younger adults. Or the disease may be misdiagnosed. These problems can lead to delays in care.

Also, it's important to rule out treatable conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms.

A prompt diagnosis also is important for personal and professional reasons. For you and your family, the diagnosis is fundamental in helping your family respond with appropriate understanding and compassion. It also can give you and your family more time to make important decisions about financial and legal issues.

At work, a prompt diagnosis can allow you to explain your condition to your employer and perhaps arrange a lighter workload or more convenient schedule.

An early diagnosis also may allow the use of anti-amyloid medicines. These therapies appear to be most effective when given in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

How to cope with young-onset Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease has a tremendous impact at any age. But people with young-onset Alzheimer's disease may face some unique challenges.

They may face stigmas and stereotypes about the disease. Because of their young age, people with young-onset Alzheimer's may find that others do not believe that they have the disease. They may feel isolated from friends or co-workers. They may face a loss of income for their family.

What to do at work

Before your condition notably affects your ability to do your job, talk to your employer. What you can do:

Find out if you can switch to a position that better suits your change in abilities.

Make sure you and your spouse, partner or caregiver understand your work-related benefits. Find out whether your workplace has an employee assistance program.

Explore benefits you may get through the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and COBRA.

If you feel overwhelmed, consider reducing your hours or taking time off.

Coping tips for couples

After a diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's, spouses or partners often feel a sense of loneliness or loss as they face the possibility of spending many years without an active partner.

Losing the romantic component and changing to a caregiver status also complicates the relationship. Try to:

Talk about what kind of help you need from each other. Talk about changes you're experiencing and ways your needs have changed. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Continue participating in activities you enjoy with your partner and adapt as necessary. Find new activities that you can enjoy together.

Keep a folder of resources that you may need as the disease progresses.

Find a counselor who works with couples facing issues you feel challenged by, such as sexual relations and changing roles in the relationship.

How to involve kids

A diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer's also can be difficult for children. Younger children may not understand the disease and its impact. Older children may be embarrassed, resentful, or angry about a parent's illness or changes in their relationships. Try to:

Find activities you can enjoy together.

Stay engaged and talk with your children honestly about what you're experiencing.

Find a support group for children or see a family counselor. Make your child's school counselor and social worker aware of your condition.

Keep a written, video or audio record of your thoughts, feelings and experiences for your children. They'll appreciate you for sharing your wisdom and memories.

Financial issues

A person with young-onset Alzheimer's usually has to quit work, and the loss of income is a serious concern. Finances get even tighter if a spouse or partner quits a job to become a full-time caregiver.

Benefits that are typically available to people age 65 and older may be an option for people diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's. It's important to learn what resources you can use. What you can do:

Talk with a financial planner and an attorney to help you plan for your future financial needs and eligibility for benefits.

Ask your employer whether early retirement is an option.

Explore what benefits may be available to you through Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid.

Organize your financial documents and make sure that your spouse or partner understands and can manage your family's finances.

Clinical trials and observational research

The Alzheimer's Association created the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) to learn more about the disease. The study is investigating causes and possible early detection. For more information about LEADS or to enroll, visit the Alzheimer's Association page here.

Resources for support

Key elements of Alzheimer's care are education and support. This is especially true in young-onset Alzheimer's given its unique challenges. Support groups can help you identify resources, gain a deeper understanding of the disability and learn ways to adapt.

Remember, you're not alone. Many resources are available to assist you, your family and your caregivers in coping with this disease. Options for support may vary depending on where you live.

In the early stages of the disease, be sure that you and your spouse, partner or caregivers do research and establish a plan for managing the progression of your condition. Knowing that you have a plan and have identified support and resources will help everyone in the future.

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Show references

1. If you have younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/younger-onset. Accessed March 28, 2022.

2. Sherva R, et al. Genetics of Alzheimer's disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 15, 2024.

3. Graff-Radford J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. March 19, 2024.

4. Brosch, JR, et al. Early-onset dementia in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 15, 2024.

5. Mendez MF. Early-onset Alzheimer disease and its variants. Continuum: Lifelong learning in neurology. 2019; doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000687.

6. LEADS. Alzheimer's Association. http://alz.org/leads/overview.asp. Accessed March 28, 2022.

7. 2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia Journal. 2023; doi:10.1002/alz.13016.

8. Genetics testing FAQ. National Human Genome Research Institute. https://www.genome.gov/FAQ/Genetic-Testing. Accessed March 15, 2024.

9. Helping family and friends. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/live-well/helping-family-friends. Accessed March 18, 2024.

10. Programs and support. Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/programs-support. Accessed March 18, 2024.

11. Cummings J, et al. Lecanemab: Appropriate use recommendations. Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. 2023; doi:10.14283/jpad.2023.30.

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When Alzheimer's symptoms start before age 65

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Young-onset Alzheimer's disease is a rare form of dementia that presents unique challenges. Learn more about causes, diagnosis and how to cope.

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

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Pat Summitt played basketball on the collegiate level at University of Tennessee - Martin. While being apart of a underfunded women's program to then developing the top NCAA-D1 women's basketball team of her time as head coach.

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alzheimer's disease (disease or medical condition)

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Alzheimer’s Is Not Normal Aging — And We Can Cure It | Samuel Cohen | TED Talks

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More than 40 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to increase drastically in the coming years. But no real progress has been made in the fight against the disease since its classification more than 100 years ago.

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Pat Summitt on Good Morning America Tomorrow

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Pat Summitt is sitting down with Robin Roberts tomorrow to promote her new book called "Sum It Up." Summitt's book will hit the shelves tomorrow. The interview was done a few weeks ago right here in Knoxville at Summitt's home. You can catch more of the interview tomorrow on Good Morning America which starts at 7am right here on WATE.

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It's no secret that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Researchers previously attributed this to the fact that women live longer than men. However, as scientists look into the increased risk of Alzheimer's in women they are finding there may be other contributing factors to the disease beyond longevity.
Learn more about the new studies and what may be causing more women to suffer from Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's More Likely in Women

While Alzheimer's is indiscriminate and affects people from all walks of life, recent studies has found that women are bearing a disproportionate amount of the Alzheimer's burden:

Aside from the fact that 60% of all Alzheimer's caregivers are women, at the age of 65, women have a 1 in 6 chance of developing Alzheimer's, compared to a 1 in 11 chance for men.

Additionally, out of the 5 million people living with Alzheimer's in the U.S., 3.2 million are women.

Research has found that women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than to develop breast cancer.

Maria Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer's Association, said of these risks:

"There are enough biological questions pointing to increased risk in women that we need to delve into that and find out why. There is a lot that is not understood and not known. It's time we did something about it."

Taking action, the Alzheimer's Association brought together 15 of the world's leading scientists to look further into why Alzheimer's is more likely in women.

Risk Factors Beyond Longevity

Until now, the gap had been largely attributed to the fact that women live longer than men and age is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer's. Roberta Diaz Brinton, a University of Southern California professor who studies gender differences said, "It is true that age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease." But, she went on to say, "on average, women live for our five years longer than men, and we know that Alzheimer's is a disease that starts 20 years before the diagnosis."

Thus far, genetic studies have offered a startling account for the difference. Researchers from Stanford University studied over 8,000 people looking for a form of the gene ApoE-4, a gene that increases the risk of Alzheimer's. They found that women who carry a copy of that particular gene variant were twice as likely to eventually develop Alzheimer's as women without the gene. Men who had the gene were only at a slightly increased risk than men who did not have the gene. While it is not clear why the gene poses such a drastic increase in risk, Brinton believes it may be how the gene interacts with estrogen.

Another study suggests that it may be related to heart health. A study from Framingham, Massachusetts suggests that because men are more likely to die from heart disease in middle age, those men who live past 65 may have healthier hearts which may protect the brain from Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's and heart disease share many risk factors including high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

Exactly why women are bearing the Alzheimer's burden still remains yet to be determined. Carrillo pointed out that 40 years ago, no one really understood how heart disease affected women and says:

"How do we make sure we're not making that mistake when it comes to Alzheimer's?"

What do you think about the link between Alzheimer's and women? Have you seen any other contributing causes that create an increased risk for the disease? Share your stories with us in the comments below. Related Articles:

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Why is Alzheimer's More Likely in Women?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's no secret that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Researchers previously attributed this to the fact that women live longer than men. However, as scientists look into the increased risk of Alzheimer's in women they are finding there may be other contributing factors to the disease beyond longevity.

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"1,098 victories, a couple of irrelevant losses, and a life in perspective" -Pat Summitt

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What I've Learned after reading Sum It Up

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What I've Learned after reading Sum It Up

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Summitt,P.H., & Jenkins,S.(2013). Sum It Up. New York: Crown Archetype.

Woods, R. (2016). Social Issues In Sport (3rd ed.) Champaign IL: Human Kinetics.

Sauer, A. (2015). Why is Alzheimer's more likely in women?. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.net/8-12-15-why-is-alzheimers-more-likely-in-women/

Graff-Radford, J. MD (2017). Early-onset Alzheimer's: When symptoms begin before age 65. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048356