The 24-Hour Rule (Paperback)

When Michael Folio was in his mid-fifties, he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Naturally, he and his wife, Cheryl Levin-Folio, couldn’t believe the news. But instead of running away from shock and fear of the unknown that accompanies such a diagnosis, the two let it sink in for a day and then created a plan to fight and do everything in their power to preserve, enhance and lengthen Michael’s life.

The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer’s is their positive, energetic, life-changing story. The book will help you care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s and care for yourself, an equally essential component for managing the disease. Each chapter contains tips, strategies, and Cheryl’s insights and personal experiences, all of which will help those afflicted with this devastating disease—and their caregivers—live from one day to the next with as much peace, enjoyment and dignity as possible.

“Michael is demonstrating wonderful results compared to many patients at similar ages and stages of the illness. The menu of activities that Cheryl has assembled along with Michael’s optimistic attitude have made this possible. Everything Michael and Cheryl are doing with their dedicated approach can help anyone affected with Alzheimer’s. Unlike many books that focus on frightening aspects of future decline, The 24-Hour Rule: Living with Alzheimer’s contains a wide range of helpful strategies for living every day to the fullest. I look forward to offering this enthusiastic how-to guide as a resource for all of our patients and families at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute!”

—Amanda G. Smith, M.D. - Medical Director USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute - University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute

Cheryl Levin-Folio is an Alzheimer's activist. She is frequently called upon by the media to share the story of how she and her husband Michael are facing the disease with a positive attitude and proactive strategies for living with the Alzheimer's. She also advocates for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The creative-and now proven-caregiving strategies Cheryl has developed have helped Michael maintain a status quo level in his own journey with Alzheimer's.

In 2012, at age 56, Michael was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's. Three years later, Cheryl retired from her professional career to become his full-time, primary caregiver. Previously, she spent 35 years in commercial real estate, working as an executive specializing in retail national development. She traveled and covered the country for several retailers, developing their real estate portfolios. For seven years prior to retirement, she worked for JP Morgan Chase, N.A. focusing on retail branch development in the Midwest.

Cheryl co-chaired the 2016 North Shore Walk to End Alzheimer's, and her Team Levin-Folio raised nearly $20,000. She has two grown children and lives with her husband and their two dogs, Oliver and Baxter, in Highland Park, Illinois.