James, a lifelong athlete with 82 marathons under his belt, is facing his toughest challenge now: a type of dementia called primary progressive aphasia. But he’s not alone. He has his wife of 34 years, Reesa, by his side, and the support of a Hospice of the Valley dementia educator, who helps the couple navigate challenges like communication as the disease progresses.

Other essential support comes from Home Instead, a home care agency that provides a caregiver twice a week. Elisha takes early-morning walks with James, then she makes breakfast and they eat together, chatting and laughing.

Reesa is grateful that they focus on what the former Ironman enjoys and can still do: exercise. “Its great social interaction,” she says. “And I also have time to see my mom, run errands or get some work

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