He started repeating questions and telling the same story over and over like it was something new.
The incident that indicated Fred Bella just wasn't the same was when he got lost driving to his son's house for a visit.
It was a route he once knew like the back of his hand.
That's when wife Donna decided to make a doctor's appointment and shortly thereafter got Fred's diagnosis of Alzheimer's in April 2009.
Fred and Donna Bella are the honourees for this year's Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer's, Make Memories Matter, that takes place Sunday at the Northern Sport Centre at the University of Northern B.C.
Fred was always a go-with-the-flow type of guy who volunteered with seniors at Simon Fraser Lodge and Parkside Lodge.
He was kind and compassionate and worked at North Central Plywood for 32 years before he retired from his lathe operator position in 2002.
Once Fred was diagnosed with the disease that affects about 747,000 Canadians and about 70,000 in B.C., Donna reached out to the Alzheimer's Society by calling the 800 number and she was promptly directed to the local office, she said.
"Then I called the society here and spoke to Leanne (Ranes, the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s support & education coordinator for Prince George and the North Interior & Skeena)," said Donna.
"She was the first person that answered my call and at first I felt like I was down there every other day and she was totally amazing."
Progression of the disease was slow right after Fred's diagnosis and Donna was still able to keep working at her job as a pharmacy technician.
"Fred would spend most of his time at home," said Donna, who wed Fred in July 1995, a second marriage for both of them.
"He would go out for lunches or spend time at the Rainbow Adult Day Centre."
Then after about two years Donna noticed physical differences in Fred, who would shuffle his feet when he walked and his reaction time was slower so when he turned 70 Fred knew it was time to stop driving and gave up his licence.
"The changes seemed quite small and we'd go along without anything really different happening," said Donna. "Then we had a couple of falls at home and that started to be the scary part because I couldn't help him up. I had to call the fire department to help lift him. That's when the talk with the doctor took place because I didn't want Fred to get hurt because that does happen a lot."
In February 2015, Fred, now 78, went into Jubilee Lodge and Donna said that it only took about six weeks before it felt like home.
"We started to get more familiar with the people and the routine and now I honestly feel like they are our extended family," said Donna. "We've made a lot of good friends here and they care so much."
Donna was able to take the time off work for the last two years to be near Fred, who has been non-verbal for the last year. Donna spends her days with Fred, caring for him, feeding him, and taking him on outtings.
To be named as the honourees for the Walk for Alzheimer's Sunday is very special to her and Fred, Donna said.
"When Leanne first approached me it was beyond belief," said Donna. "I felt so honoured and I just want to be as helpful as I possibly can. I've got a lot of information that I have gained over the years since Fred was diagnosed and I would love to be able to share what I know with anyone who's interested and has questions."
Donna said the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society has helped her tremendously and she found the support groups especially helpful. She encourages everyone to attend who needs help.
"We're very excited to be at the Walk for Alzheimer's and so thankful for the people who are coming and the volunteers and the Investors Group for their sponsorship," said Donna.
"It's going to be great."
The Walk for Alzheimer's starts with registration at 1 p.m. and there is no cost involved.
The walk starts at 1:30 p.m. People are welcome to attend the event whether they wish to donate, have raised funds or not.
Funds raised will go to support programs and services to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their families as well as to help provide education and public awareness.
For more information visit
www.walkforalzheimers.ca or contact local walk organizers Debra and Scott Moffat at 250-564-2310 or [email protected] or [email protected].
Those needing more information about any form of dementia, including Alzheimer's, can reach out to their health care provider or the First Link Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 or call the local office for information, education and support at 250-564-7533 or toll free 1-866-564-7533.
