Paul Hornback was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009 at age 55.

 Paul graduated from the University of Louisville in Kentucky in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. In 1996, he received his master’s in industrial engineering. Paul spent his career as an engineer and operations research analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense. He was responsible for computer modeling and analysis of combat operations, as well as vehicle engineering. His work included classified data analysis during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

 Paul’s initial cause for concern began at work when he had difficulty solving problems, maintaining classified information, keeping appointments and finding words when talking. During this time Paul began to withdraw during business meetings and stayed late to check his work. Six months later, he made the decision to see a neurologist. 

 After a year of testing, which included an MRI, spinal tap, PET scan, as well as visits to the Cleveland and Mayo Clinics, Paul was given a diagnosis of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He was alone with his neurologist when he received the news. Paul felt relieved but troubled by the information, uncertain of what to do next. His doctor shared details on the clinical studies potentially available for Paul to enroll in, but Paul longed for more information on what it will be like to live with Alzheimer’s. After leaving the doctor’s office, he sat alone in his car and cried, contemplating how he would tell his spouse, Sarah. 

 Paul shared the diagnosis with his wife and employer immediately but waited a month to share the news with his children until they were all together at Thanksgiving. He remarked that telling his family was, “the most difficult thing I have ever done.” Gradually, Paul began sharing his diagnosis with his extended network of friends and family. His story became publicly available when a video from the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky in Lexington featured Paul and Sarah discussing their participation in a research study. Paul is currently using Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch®, a clinical trial matching service, to locate and review other clinical trials. 

 To help prepare for the future, Paul and Sarah visited long-term care facilities and established powers of attorney for health care and property. Paul consulted with his neurologist about the possibility of early retirement and after conferring with his employer, he filed for early disability retirement through his employer. Paul states the decision was devastating, but necessary given the sensitivity of information for which he was responsible.  

Paul is active with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter as a participant in Memory Cafés, which are informal settings where people with memory problems can gather to share experiences and resources, and an early-stage Alzheimer’s support group. He is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s AlzConnected® online social network community for those impacted by Alzheimer’s and enjoys writing about his experience living with this disease through his own devotional blog. Paul has written one book, God Still Remembers Me, and is working on a second book chronicling his experience living with the disease.

 As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association 2015 National Early-Stage Advisory Group, Paul would like to help educate physicians on the importance of connecting patients with opportunities to engage in research. He encourages newly diagnosed individuals to remain positive and active. He says, “Once you’ve been diagnosed, you’ve got to get in the fight.” Paul served on the national Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association for two years beginning in 2017.

 Paul and Sarah live in Hodgenville, KY. Together they have three children.