Trey and Theresa Pippen. Credit: YouTube/Trey & Theresa Pippen

Living with a spouse who has Alzheimer’s disease is an emotional and mental challenge that affects every aspect of daily life.

As memory loss progresses, familiar routines become disrupted, and simple conversations can turn into confusing or frustrating experiences.

The emotional toll is significant—watching a loved one forget cherished memories, struggle with basic tasks, or fail to recognize family members can be heartbreaking.

At 49, Theresa Pippen, a seasoned accountant from Florida, received a life-altering diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Alongside her husband, Trey, the couple turned to YouTube to document their experience, aiming to shed light on this devastating condition.

Early Signs and Career Challenges

Reflecting on the initial indicators, Trey noted that as early as late 2012 or early 2013, Theresa began exhibiting subtle changes.

“Theresa was definitely starting to change,” he recalled in a video. “Earliest signs were basically failure to keep commitments or keep promises that she made. She would start projects and not finish them.”

Additionally, she became increasingly distant from family, leading to strains in their marriage. Trey admitted his frustration during this period, unable to comprehend the reasons behind these changes.

Professionally, Theresa faced mounting difficulties. Despite nearly two decades in accounting, many as a senior financial analyst, she encountered unexpected challenges. In 2014, she was demoted, and by 2016, she lost her job.

Trey observed that despite her dedication and long hours, her cognitive abilities were waning, unbeknownst to them at the time. The job loss coincided with a company merger, initially masking the underlying health issue.

Theresa Pippen died in March last year. Credit: YouTube/Trey & Theresa Pippen

The Search for Employment and Diagnosis

Post-termination, Theresa struggled to secure employment—a stark contrast to her previous role where she had assisted Trey with his resume.

After several unsuccessful interviews and brief employment stints, she transitioned to roles unrelated to her expertise, including a receptionist position and later stacking shelves at a local supermarket.

It wasn’t until 2018, after a year in the supermarket role, that the gravity of her condition became evident, leading to the Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Raising Awareness

In 2020, the Pippens launched a YouTube channel to chronicle their journey and raise awareness about early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Trey emphasized the importance of sharing their story, hoping it would resonate with others facing similar challenges. Their candid discussions highlighted the emotional and practical struggles accompanying the disease.

Theresa’s Legacy

Tragically, Theresa passed away on March 3 of the previous year. Her story, however, continues to educate and inspire. The Pippens’ openness has shed light on the realities of early-onset Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for those affected.