I've been a member for twelve years today, and I've learned so much.  Of course, I learned quite a lot before I joined, because for the prior three months,  I read every post.  My neurologist does not diagnose me as having dementia, but my geriatrician did.  I know my memory and cognition are declining.  

The main things I've learned are to use lifestyle habits (Best Practices) to help my functioning and to prolong the early stages, to avoid or limit stress, to avoid toxic people, and to manage my environment.  

I learned much more, too much to write here.  I learned from the patient members and from the caregiver members.  Dementia is a disease condition like no other.  Everything that needs to be done is different than with other diseases.  I'm still learning. It's imperative that I learn, because I don't have a care partner.  This is why I appreciate everyone here so much!

Iris

Here’s to 12 more years at about the same level of cognitive skills.

Thank you so much for this post.  I'm year 2 but I see very little decline. Unfortunately I have family members who don't understand and I think are actually afraid of me. Go figure. Anyway,  may I share your comment? It is so educational. 

Many good days ahead - Ms. Williamson. 

Hello, Debbie.  Of course you can share anything that might be of benefit to you.  I have always believed that we need to learn from our peers.  I also believe that the majority of family members and even most professionals do not understand us.  That's why we need to learn and prepare ourselves as best we can for the inevitable changes.  

According to Alzheimer's Association statistics, 40% of PWDs live alone.  Some of them will have adult children or grandchildren or other family members who may offer to become involved.  Even the nicest ones will need to learn a new paradigm, because caregiving for dementia is not the same as caregiving for other disease conditions.  

In my own life, I keep my struggles to myself, because I have already been abandoned by people closest to me.  I don't want to risk further abandonment from other people.  

Iris