@maryelle I have the same thing, social anxiety, which brings out my MCI. I have an especially hard time with people’s names, even names I know well! It’s so embarrassing! I just have blanks for certain names and words. I avoid introducing people, and socializing in general, except one-to-one with people I know well. I’m fine if I’m not expected to know names, like talking to store clerks or librarians.

And I agree that the MCI diagnosis adds to anxiety & depression, although at times I’m glad for it, so I can explain to people when I blank out on words. And also, I’ve come to hate the stress of driving, and the diagnosis gives me an excuse to get out of all but the most local routes.

I’ve had a shift in attitude recently. I stopped seeking out signs of real dementia and trying to figure out what kind I might be getting. I realized, that: hey, I’m doing okay! I should be enjoying this time as a bonus to a life well-lived, instead of worrying all the time about what may be coming.
Reading “Still Me” by Rebecca Chopp helped me, and walking in the beauty of nature every day.

So, we’re adapting to our new minds/realities, figuring out work-arounds, changing our perspectives. I guess acceptance is a balm. That and meds.