Support Group for Those of Us Living With Mild Dementia

Hi, I'll be 82 in a few weeks. My problem is ongoing cognitive difficulties associated with long Covid, for 9 months now. At its worst, I mix up dates and times for appointments, mis-read instructions, make the same purchases 2 and 3 times, or run out of pantry items because I've looked at, say, tuna and it registered as salmon. I've forgotten food in the oven and clothes in the washer for days. I'm not safe to drive a car. In my bad spells, it happens up to 20 times a day; on good days, its only 4-5 a day. It's worse when I'm fatigued and better when I take hourly "brain breaks". While I this isn't dementia, and I seem to be improving very slowly in general, it's going to go on for a long time and there's no guarantee it will ever be gone completely. I would greatly benefit from learning coping skills from others.

I’m afraid that I am having some dementia issues and I’m a nervous wreck about it. My daughter (who I live with) doesn’t think I have dementia but I feel like I have signs of it. I’m off and on forgetful regarding names of people I used to remember easily and I also forget occasionally to get my laundry out of the dryer. These issues are periodic but scare me to bits. I’m not even sure what brand of doctor to see about this problem.

@ kfxston
If you feel like you want to be tested, call a neurologist. They can give you a few things to test your ability that will help make a decision.
Mild Cognitive Impairment is not necessarily the first step toward dementia.
Get tested so you know where you are at.

Blessings

Hi, I'll be 82 in a few weeks. My problem is ongoing cognitive difficulties associated with long Covid, for 9 months now. At its worst, I mix up dates and times for appointments, mis-read instructions, make the same purchases 2 and 3 times, or run out of pantry items because I've looked at, say, tuna and it registered as salmon. I've forgotten food in the oven and clothes in the washer for days. I'm not safe to drive a car. In my bad spells, it happens up to 20 times a day; on good days, its only 4-5 a day. It's worse when I'm fatigued and better when I take hourly "brain breaks". While I this isn't dementia, and I seem to be improving very slowly in general, it's going to go on for a long time and there's no guarantee it will ever be gone completely. I would greatly benefit from learning coping skills from others.

I have an autoimmune disease and long covid sounds so much like it! Try these things:
1. Hydration: make sure you get 32 oz of liquid daily and that your pee is light yellow.
2. Eat right. Move toward non-processed, low sugar, high nutrition.
3. Take a daily 20 minute walk aiming for one mile. Or break it into two or three walks. Outside air and sunshine plus movement helps. Do this even with lethargy.
4. Observe regular sleeptimes and if you nap, do it before 3pm.
5. Sublingual B-12, D3 and Magnesium and helpful for pain, cramps and focus. You might ask your dr for an anti-depressant which will help with focus also.
6. Each day, do something purposeful even if it is a household chore. Talk to a friend about anything else. Do something you enjoy.

@jules thanks for the suggestion.
I’m having a party here next month for my sister. In addition to getting things ready for her visit, I’m very slowly strengthening up. I’m actually going through some of my jewelry for my granddaughters. I feel it’s time to start sharing, and getting rid of my stuff. It will help my son when he has to close up my house someday.

My sister will be here for almost 3 weeks. I’m going to put her to work going through old stuff we inherited from our parents.
She has an attitude of “throw it away”. Sometimes it’s not a great thing. She threw away a gold coin my dad had that is worth $2600!

Oh well. Again, thanks. I will keep this in mind.

I am almost 72 and am forgetting where I put some things that I use on a daily basis, especially in the kitchen. Peoples names are also a problem (but not family or my close friend). I repeat things to my husband and best friend too. I also suffer from depression and anxiety.
Really need support…..
Sixer2175

Sometimes when you do something a lot, every time you do it is kind of the same. So it's easy to forget. I live in the city and park my car everyday when I come home in a different spot. So next morning I'm not sure where it is because each days blends into the next. Therefore, I can see why you forget where you puts things in the kitchen. Next time you want to tell a story just start by saying, "Did I tell you this"? it's hard for me too to remember people's names esp. if I don't see them on a regular basis. My husband said maybe I should write them down, think I will. As for the depression and anxiety, my husband has that and gets great relief from taking long walks...good luck ! PS I'm also 72