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Interweaving cutting-edge medical science with a poignant family chronicle, The Thousand Mile Stare is the true story of one family’s discovery that it carries a unique gene for Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Each family member—afflicted or not—finds a way to meet this challenge, whether through faith or a desire to understand the science behind the illness. When some members of the Reiswig family reach their 40’s, something in their demeanor changes. An aunt puts ice trays into the stove instead of the freezer. A normally responsible father assigns a dangerous farm chore to a much-too-young son. A vigilant grandfather drives in front of an oncoming train. And they all develop what the author calls “the thousand mile stare”—a wistful, blank gaze into the distance, as though they are trying to locate some vital piece of themselves that has been lost.
As the Reiswigs face a destructive genetic legacy, they play an important role in the discovery of a key genetic marker for Alzheimer’s, give valuable testimony to Congress that influences research and scientific development, and learn to understand each other and the debilitating disease that both bonds them together and tears them apart. From the author’s story of his ancestral roots in a small German town, to Dr. Alois Alzheimer’s discovery of the disease, to the Reiswig’s triumphs and tragedies on their Oklahoma farm, to a modern-day Congressional hearing room, this book offers profound insight into the devastating world of Alzheimer’s, and hope for the development of a cure.
Praise for The Thousand Mile Stare and Gary Reiswig
“Gary Reiswig, the last man standing in a generation ravaged by inherited, early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, tells a family history like no other. His unique memoir explores the best hope that modern medical science offers to anyone facing the ultimate identity theft of Alzheimer’s—especially Reiswig’s own nieces and nephews, who are just now reaching the age when their destiny may express itself.”
Dava Sobel, New York Times bestselling author of Galileo’s Daughter, Longitude, and The Planets
"Gary Reiswig compassionately brings us close to the fear and suffering that he and his family endure as Alzheimer's plays itself out in each successive generation. . . . Studies suggest that the chances of developing the disease by age 85 is now close to 50/50. Thus, there is something very personal for us all in The Thousand Mile Stare. We all stand to face the dilemma unless we act to change the trajectory of this crisis."
“A powerfully moving and extraordinary story told with a courageous heart.”
"This powerful narrative tells not only the story of the many lives devastated by Alzheimer's, but also the tremendous courage of the people in this family who participated in research study with hope as the only tangible benefit. Someday, when a treatment is developed, and methods derived to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, scientists will take the credit. But it is really the thousands of volunteers that courageously participate in research that make breakthroughs possible. Read this book."
“Gary has given me a face, as he has to his family by writing this book. I like to believe that Gary’s cousin Chuck and I are LIVING with Alzheimer’s not dying from it. This book keeps our fires alive and I am grateful to him and his family for continuing to fight the war on Alzheimer’s.”
“This is a must read book for the early onset people and also for the caregivers. I am a person with early onset and I had trouble putting the book down.”
"Alzheimer's Disease struck members of Gary Reiswig's family in the prime of their lives. The Thousand Mile Stare provides a riveting account of his family's quest to understand and cope with this devastating disease."
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