In this episode, we talk about Lucy the Wonder Dog, Matt&apos;s constant companion, who brings him a ton of comfort when the anxiety gets bad. We also discuss how Matt&apos;s journaling with a work colleague helps him work through issues related to his diagnosis and other life events. We talk about the importance of a positive attitude and Matt reads a couple of entries from his journal. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2420147/open_sms">Send us a text</a>Check <a href='https://www.oldmanlunch.org/'>www.oldmanlunch.org</a> for more details on us, Alzheimer&apos;s, and the podcast. Bluesky: @oldmanlunch.bsky.social Instagram: @oldm.lunch

Old Man Lunch Goes to Moab or Purgatory is a Strong Word

In October of 2023, Matt Allen, one of my oldest and closest friends was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 55. He was given eight years, but life expectancy can range from three to 20 years with Alzheimer’s.When a doctor puts a timeframe on someone’s life, it tends to bring things into focus, which is how Old Man Lunch was born. Your hosts, Mark Vallet (me), Matt Allen, and Brad Nilles, decided they needed to spend more time together, have some fun, and make some memories while Matt’s disease progresses.Our goal is to provide a deep look into how Alzheimer’s impacts Matt's life as well as his family, friends, wife, and children. We want to talk about the daily challenges, frustrations, and believe it or not, freedoms (Matt’s words), that Alzheimer’s has brought into his lifeHowever, this is not just a podcast about Alzheimer’s, we will be covering several topics as well as simply talking about our lives, and what is going on in the world. Some episodes will be dedicated to just Matt’s disease and its impact, and I hope to have medical experts, friends, family, and other Alzheimer’s patients as guests.This podcast will be rated explicit due to swearing, and possible sexual content as well as dealing with sensitive subjects such as religion, atheism,death and fatal diseases. It will be both emotional and funny if everything goes to plan.&nbsp;