Pam Montana
Name:
Pam Montana
Job title:
Former Intel Executive & Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisor
Place of work / study:
Tell us a little about yourself:
I was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2016 at the age of 61.
A former Intel executive, I managed and led sales teams until my early retirement in 2017. In my role there I spoke frequently at events and prided myself in creating programs to help other women advance within the organization. Now I dedicate myself to being an Alzheimer’s advocate.
I first noticed cognition problems in 2012 when I began having difficulty remembering conversations and learning new systems at Intel. I remember sitting in my office really struggling to comprehend a training seminar. I was taking notes and doing my best to understand what was being said, but it wasn’t ‘sticking.’ I had to write things down, almost word for word to compensate.
Given my respected reputation, work colleagues dismissed my symptoms. Soon afterward, however, my husband Bob noticed that I would ask repetitive questions, often within minutes of each other. I also started experiencing confusion navigating familiar environments.
In 2015, following a neuropsychological evaluation, I was eventually diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). In July 2016, following subsequent MRI, PET and CT scans [2] conducted over three days at the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, I was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
I received my diagnosis while accompanied by Bob, my husband, and my two daughters, and although the news was devastating, finally knowing the truth was a relief, I allowed myself 24 hours to grieve and emerged the next day determined to be a fierce advocate.
The day after my diagnosis, I changed my Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin profiles and proclaimed to the world that I had Alzheimer’s. I let people know that I have a new job now – one with a real purpose – and that is fight for a cure, raise awareness and remove the shame and stigma of this horrible disease.
Today, I dedicates myself full-time to Alzheimer’s awareness. I have spearheaded four new Walks to End Alzheimer’s, which collectively raised over $50,000 last year, and has spread the word to involve others in the fight. Raised Christian Scientist, I was taught to pray for healing. Growing up, I never went to the doctor. Today, I’m in a clinical trial and wholeheartedly embrace medical research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association 2017-2018 National Early-Stage Advisory Group, I was greatful for the opportunity to give a voice and face to early-stage Alzheimer’s.
As my doctor told me last year, it’s important to do what makes me happy – and working with the Alzheimer’s Association and others to help find a cure does that. I know there may not be a cure in my lifetime, but I will die trying, and with a smile on my face, because it will help others.
I live with my husband Bob (Linscheid) and reside in Danville, CA with a blended family of six adult children.