Living with Early Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment - Meet Others

@lauriem60, I invite you to take part in the discussions in the group specifically dedicated to caregivers supporting and caring for someone living with cognitive impairment and/or dementia. You will find caring members and helpful information shared by people walking this path before you and with you.

Follow the caregiver support group here:
- Caregivers: Dementia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers-dementia/

@susanejw
I used to get migraines, I would lie in bed with no noise or light. It was awful. The hurt so bad I would get sick, then after that they would go away in about half an hour.
When it comes to television I only watch sitcoms and documentaries, as i simply get lost when watching a movie . I tend to forget what’s going on and can’t follow the plot.
I too have to watch my sugar, as I am a borderline diabetic. I don’t drink, quit smoking after 45 years and basically no longer have any vices☹️.
Having Lewy body disease is a real hassle 🙂!
Keep the strength! Regards, Ashley

@ashley43725 I can’t believe you’re working! What’s your job? I retired 11 years ago. I had pretty chronic migraines at that time, & each would come & go for about 3 days. They’re a LOT less frequent now.

I am a housekeeper in a hospital.
I have less than a year left before I retire, so it is finally on the horizon.
I look forward to retirement, it’s been a long time coming.
Regards, Ashley

I enjoy my job, it’s very important that I keep my mind and my body active.
I live a very structured life. I go to bed at 8 o’clock and get up at 5:30 regardless of if I’m off work or not.
My car keys are always in the same place , as are my shoes and clothes in the drawers. Such structure is vital to folks in our rather unique situation. It helps to keep us on track in our daily lives.
We should regard our situation with curiosity, and not be afraid. We are going to change and I accept that. I wonder often about what is next.
Keep the strength! Regards, Ashley

No sound sensitivity. But I’m finding myself choking on beverages and food. It’s almost frightening.
I’m trying to follow the MIND diet. It’s been a challenge. Lots of leafy greens so I’m getting really good at salads☺️ lot of fresh fish. NO dairy, sugar, salt which for me,are the hardest. But there’s research to suggest that this diet can slow down vascular dementia.
I’d like to hear what others are doing or thinking about doing to slow down the dementia.

@ashley43725
acceptance! I’m having a hard time getting to acceptance. What works for you?

I appreciate the Susan and Ashley gave us some background information about themselves. It helps me to know a bit about our backgrounds and where we are in life.
I am 77 and live in Columbia MD. I’m retired, married, have 2 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren. They are the loves of my life.
I grew up in a Chicago suburb. Lived in Syracuse for 20 years growing a family and getting a PhD at Syracuse University. I moved to Maryland to teach and do research at the university.
I’ve been married 32 years to my second husband. He is a rock to me.
I got my diagnosis of VD last fall and quite honestly, I’m still struggling with it. I do keep hoping to wake up and find it was just a bad dream.

@fletchette Who are the people in your photo?

@fletchette
I can relate to hoping it was a bad dream.
Acceptance…. I guess this is what this whole situation is about, acceptance.
When my neurologist told me I had Lewy body he said to live my life as if nothing is wrong and try not to think about it- surely you jest!
I drowned in melancholy for a year just thinking about my future and what it undoubtedly would entail.
I woke up one morning and realized he was right. Life goes on and I decided to live it as best I could.I certainly can’t change anything about my disease, but I can handle it in a manner that is dignified and try to help others in the same situation.
I did accept the diagnosis eventually, and I certainly feel much better about myself and my outlook on life is positive.
I need help with my medications and remembering names and appointments, etc etc. but so what? It’s all part of the game. I hope you find acceptance, Pattie, you will feel much happier.
I am originally from SE Ohio. I grew up in the Appalachia mountains, where poverty is rampant. When I reached 18 i wanted out. I got my GED and dropped out of high school and joined a the Air Force. Home has no attraction for me and I only go back to visit family.
My education is sparse, but I have seen a lot and am a voracious reader. I have read 200 books in the last three years. Thanks to e books and a phone app that lets me download and read them.
I do everything I can to slow the progression of this disease, I find a challenge, and I do love a challenge 🙂.
I now live under the North Star, far from home and I am happy.
I guess that’s getting the brass ring, being happy.
Regards, Ashley