12 Sep 2022
HEIDI DOUGLASS | h.douglass@unsw.edu.au
When Ed Caser read about The Dementia Momentum initiative led by CHeBA in the AFR 6 years ago, the timing was profound. It was during a month that he was attempting to care for his Mum in country Victoria while remotely running 20 staff in an investments business in Sydney – a combination that tested him to his limits.
Ed’s Mum, Mary Caser, has Alzheimer’s disease.
Ed has cared for his Mum beyond what most people can even comprehend. He has got her out of bed, bathed her, dressed her and fed her. All while managing a business. Unsurprisingly, these things took an enormous toll on him both physically and emotionally.
“Devastating is definitely the word to describe the impacts on both the individual and their families,” says Ed.
Since that time Ed has lived between Melbourne and Sydney, managing not only a burgeoning career in investment, but also acting as primary carer for his Mum – then the coordinator of her transition into a facility.
Ed explains that beyond the sadness there is also a weight of guilt.
“I feel terribly guilty about the times I got frustrated with her for things I can now likely put down to Alzheimer’s. By far the biggest challenge I have faced, and the saddest day of my life, was the decision to put Mum into aged care.
“That had some finality to it, insofar as I couldn’t just throw money or even myself at this problem to fix it,” says Ed.
These factors have compelled Ed to become an active and engaged Ambassador for the CHeBA Change Makers – Next Gen Philanthropy initiative; driving the younger generation to support medical research into dementia to change what the future of their own late-life will look like.
“Research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias seems to be unique in that there are two streams of potential solutions – which need to work in conjunction with each other.
“Obviously a cure, but also – and perhaps more interestingly – prevention. Both of these points require significant investment so I want to do all I can to support this, and hopefully inspire people along the way to support CHeBA.
Seeing my Mum’s decline and watching her siblings start to show signs motivates me to do everything in my power to try and stop it at her generation.
Ed Caser
To this end Ed is running the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 10km Bridge Run in his quest to raise awareness about research into cognitive decline and funds for CHeBA’s research.
“I’m thrilled to see so many corporate groups and individuals sign up for CHeBA this year. It will be a proud moment in the CHeBA singlet alongside my fellow supporters.”
60 people have chosen CHeBA as their charity of choice in this year’s event, which Ed says is a proud moment as many runners have come through his network.
“I’m committed to growing my Ambassador role and what it represents. For me it is a privilege to advocate and reference the incredible work and team at CHeBA.
“From my knowledge of other dementia related groups, I believe that CHeBA is best positioned as world leaders in research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
“I have an interest in seeing what biomarkers are identified as a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, and CHeBA has a strong focus on that area.
I think medicine has a great chance of helping slow decline this way, which would be a wonderful thing to see for future generations.
When reflecting on his Mum’s life Ed says it is hard to remember moments prior to her having Alzheimer’s disease. He misses their relationship. According to Ed she was the perfect Mum for him – she didn’t fuss, she let him make his own decisions, but was there with a steady hand when needed.
“I now realise how much we have in common – and how much I took for granted.
“Mostly now I think of all the things I wish we had done together or spoke about; not knowing one day I wouldn’t be able to.”
Ed Caser is the founder of a private markets investment firm set to launch late September.
