Pako’s Story
“My personal journey has led to intentional choices, both for myself and to contribute to the greater good. I’ve committed to engaging in activities I genuinely enjoy.”
—Francisco “Pako” Rios
In the Everyday: Finding Meaning After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
When Francisco “Pako” Rios was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s, the news was unexpected not only for him, but also for everyone who knew him.
He didn’t match the image people carried in their minds of someone with Alzheimer’s. He was still active, present and quick with a quiet humor that made people smile. Nothing about him seemed to fit what they knew about Alzheimer’s.
“My story is very different. People don’t really get that I have Alzheimer’s. They see me as kind of young.”
For a long time, when Pako told people about his diagnosis, they thought he was joking. From the outside, nothing seemed obviously different.
“But you’ll pretty much get it when you interact with me for more than a couple of hours. You’ll know that I have Alzheimer’s.”
Pako’s father also had Alzheimer’s, and it shaped how he handled his own diagnosis. So when Pako sensed something was wrong, he underwent genetic testing to seek answers.
“Coming from a traditional Latino family where private matters are kept within the home, my father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was not openly discussed.”
Reflecting on his own diagnosis, Pako made a deliberate decision to take a different path.
“I wanted to openly acknowledge my Alzheimer’s, live fully despite its challenges, and hopefully inspire others.”
As a result, Pako has chosen not to define his life by the diagnosis. Instead, it has shifted his perspective and helped him focus on the things that matter most. Where life once felt busy with obligations and long-term plans, it’s now more about presence, routine and appreciating everyday moments.
“Early diagnosis was a blessing. It gave me the chance to make informed lifestyle adjustments and empowered me to identify what I can and cannot control.”
His days now follow a rhythm that is intentional. One of the first things he does is care for his dogs, who bring both comfort and joy to his routine.
“I feed them and I take care of them.”
Pako often laughs when describing his daily life, insisting that it’s simple and unremarkable.
“I’m pretty boring. I just like being with my dogs.”
But in that simplicity, there is something deeply meaningful.
Those quiet routines, where he is feeding the dogs, being at home and sharing moments with loved ones, have become a steady foundation. He feels excited every day about spending time with his family. This includes his wife, Zahydie, and other family members, who help keep his routine steady and enable him to maintain daily activities, like staying active and working out with a trainer a few days a week. The workouts are tough, but he keeps his sense of humor about them.
“If you watch me, you’ll see I’m just getting beaten up.”
Other small habits help keep his mind active. He takes piano lessons and practices French on a language app, sometimes joking about his progress.
“If you want to talk to me in French, I can say ‘bonjour’ but that’s about it.”
Living with Alzheimer’s has also deepened Pako’s empathy for others. He knows firsthand that many struggles are invisible.
“There are a lot of diseases and a lot of health problems that are not visible at first sight.”
Because of that, the message he hopes people remember is simple.
“Just be kind because you don’t know what the person in front of you is going through.”
For Pako, his diagnosis has strengthened his belief that life should be lived fully in the moments we have now, not later.
“Just live in the moment. You don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
Alzheimer’s has clarified one thing for Pako. The laughter, the routines, the time with loved ones and even the quiet mornings with his dogs have become reminders that each day holds something valuable.
“Live life and do the things that you want to do now. Don’t wait till tomorrow.”