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Acceptance and Kindness Oct 8, 2022 | By Dr. Anne Shandera-Ochsner, HABIT Midwest Director (@dranneshanderaochsner)Comment receiving replies
I had a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and am used to it and joined a support group and felt very good about myself. Then yesterday my neurologist announced that I have Mild Dementia. He had his assistant give me a cognitive test. I feel shocked. He did not say why I had advanced or tell me what Mild Dementia is. I take Namzaric and they help me a lot but it felt blunt. Like I was being hit from behind. He told me that I did much better than he expected on the test! I have a six month appointment and will have another cognitive test. I went on the Mayo website and felt better I do need more than a dx, pills and a test. My husband was with me then and he was surprised too. You are the first person that I have told. I have had mini strokes in my brain and my last brain MRI was three years ago. My brain is shrinking more and I have hyperintensies on the last MR!/
Replies to "I had a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment and am used to it and joined a..."
Your message reaaly resonates with me, since I too had brain shrinkage, mini strokes, hyperintensies, and a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. However, the good news is that although I am still struggling cognitively, I have brought my score up to the point that I am no longer eligible for dementia drugs. My efforts are paying off!
Are you familiar with the book Memory Rescue, by Dr. Daniel Amen? I highly recommend it.
Have you looked into online brain training exercises? I have tried 3, and I think the best and most scientically supported is Brain HQ. I also like Lumosity. I use both.
Changing our neurologist sounds like a really good idea!
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You have such an amazing attitude, Carol. I've seen you offer support to others in various groups on Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you.
Here's another place where you may wish to give and get support:
- Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-mci/
I wonder if you, like @larryh123 who lives with lewy body dementia, may wish to give the patient perspective for care partners caring for someone living with MCI in the caregivers group:
- Caregivers: Dementia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers-dementia/
Your insights are valuable.