Three Degree Guarantee: Georgia couple navigating Alzheimer’s diagnosis

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. A Georgia couple is navigating the ways this diagnosis is impacting their lives.

Ross and Michele Perloe have been together for 30 years.

“I feel very lucky because I have Michele,” said Ross Perloe, Michele’s Husband.

Their life changed with one word.

“When I heard that word Alzheimer’s, again, I wasn’t prepared to hear that. Just that word is devastating,” said Michele.

The disease influences a huge part of their lives, but they find ways to fight back, to be seen, and regain control however they can.

“It takes up a lot of your brain space because you end up kind of living two lives. You are paying attention to your own things and then you have to be 100% on top of what his life is,” said Michele.

The couple eventually connected with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The Alzheimer’s Association gave him a purpose,” Michele said. “It gave him a reason to get up in the morning which he felt like he didn’t have anymore. He started volunteering with them. W started going to the support groups.”

“It is a safe environment, you can say what you want. People share,” said Ross.

The organization works with Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, offering around-the-clock care and raising funds for research that could one day lead to a cure.

READ: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s returns to The Battery

To connect with the Alzheimer’s Association, visit their website.

The Three Degree Guarantee helps raise money for nonprofit organizations serving the metro Atlanta community. To date, we’ve donated over $100,000 to local charities. Thanks to our partner Coolray Heating & Air Conditioning for matching this donation.