An Island of One by Mary Anne Moisan

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“She has written the book so many of us needed and could never find the words for.” Francesca B. Falzarano, PhD, director of the Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab

When Mary Anne’s forty-seven-year-old husband, Rick, is diagnosed with CADASIL, a rare genetic disorder that can cause young-onset dementia, she begins to live a split existence. Alongside the reality of her husband’s failing health is the knowledge that their two young children could also inherit the disease.

Her life becomes a revolving door of roles: advocate, caregiver, wife, mother, occupational therapist, teacher, daughter. What she cannot be is herself.

To survive the crumbling of normalcy around her, Mary Anne compartmentalizes her life, shutting out connection as she struggles to connect the dots of her new reality. A medical system fails to see the couple’s unique circumstances. Rick, now in his early fifties and healthy in body, is no longer sound of mind.

Yet Mary Anne’s circumstances leave her isolated even among those who understand dementia. She is an island of one—separate from the sea of elderly dementia spouses, yet equally separate from friends whose lives remain occupied by the typical cares and concerns of their families.

Caught between caregiving, motherhood, marriage, and the knowledge of what her children may face, Mary Anne has lost sight of herself. What will it take to find her way back?

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Pub date: 08-Dec-2026

Page count: 232

ISBN: 978-3-98832-269-2