The DeMoe family is a very special family of six siblings – five of whom have Alzheimer’s.
After their father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in his 40s, his children decided as adults to get tested for the rare gene. Five of the six siblings tested positive, guaranteeing they’ll get the disease.
“We’re still all together, and we’ll fight together,” said Karla, who tested negative for the gene and has accepted the responsibility of caring for her siblings.
Their story is captured in the new book Inheritance: A Family on the Frontlines of the Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease.
“This family could be anybody,” the author of the book, Niki Kapsambelis, told Shriver. “It could be your family, or it could be the people next door to you. It’s David versus Goliath.”