Wendy describes how she lives life to the full after being diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease
"I was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2023. It wasn’t a big shock as I’d been having issues for a few years – problems with my memory, fuzzy heads, and difficulty in learning new skills.
"I was only 61 at the time and had been working as a research nurse while my mum was living in a care home with Alzheimer’s.
"It was a lot to deal with but I remember thinking – you can’t sit and cry about this. You just have to stay positive and make the best of things. In my mind, the more you stay positive and active, the better. Make plans, go out with friends, enjoy holidays and make memories for as long as possible.
"I’ve been supported by an Alzheimer Scotland post diagnostic support worker and she’s been great. She’s always there to chat and has helped me with practical things around forward planning, like power of attorney and wills, plus I’ve filled out the Herbert Protocol which helps police in case I ever go missing.
"I also regularly go to Alzheimer Scotland’s Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre in Aberdeen. I enjoy the chair yoga, art classes, and just being able to chat to people.
"My husband, friends and family are a great support, and my memory board helps me keep track of the week’s appointments and plans. I’m no longer able to work, but I focus on keeping busy and spending time with family and friends.
"The advice I’d give to anyone who has concerns about their memory or changes in their behaviour is to go and speak to a healthcare professional as soon as you can. Too often these things can be wrongly put down to old age or stress.
"I noticed some early symptoms about five years before my official diagnosis, but I dismissed them at first until my issues around retaining new information began to affect my ability to do my job. I then spent a couple of years taking part in dementia research studies at memory clinics before finally being officially diagnosed.
"Getting a prompt diagnosis is so important, because the sooner you get help, the sooner you can start getting the right support and medication that can ease the symptoms.
"I have good and bad days but I don’t ever feel sorry for myself. I’m determined to keep making plans and living life to the full for as long as possible."
Thank you to Wendy for sharing her inspiring story.