Recent Diagnosis - What Does the Future Hold?

By CommunityMember742f43

1 min read

Last updated: April 2023

I was diagnosed with dementia about a year ago, and the only major impact it has had on my life is that I had to stop driving right after the diagnosis. Luckily my husband is willing to drive me when we go places together, and we have the resources to hire a personal care assistant for 3 days a week so she can take me places.

I still sing with a couple of groups (thank God that I found a "Giving Voice" choir in our town) and do Shape Note singing with a singing community here in my city. I can also still play the piano...at least for now. Music is a wonderful gift. I've taken up doing jigsaw puzzles; the more colorful the better!

I think this gives my brain good stimulation and exercise...and makes me smile!

This is my story.

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Patty Day Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember742f43" user-id="6717131"/>. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It sounds as though you have a really good routine with the extra support you and your husband need. I love that you're keeping up with the fun activities that you enjoy and stimulate your mind! If you're open to it, we'd love to include you and your husband in our "Faces of Alzheimer's Image Gallery!" You can check it out here: <a href='https://bit.ly/3NXri6J' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://bit.ly/3NXri6J</a> Thank you for being here and for being a part of our community! Warmly, Patty, Team Member
Scott Matheny Moderator
Do you feel that music helps you with some of the symptoms that you face? Scott <a href='http://AlzheimersDisease.net' target='_blank'>AlzheimersDisease.net</a> Team Member
1. Scott Matheny Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember742f43" user-id="6717131"/> I love this. We need to see if my mother in law (loved one) might benefit from this. Thank you for sharing. Scott <a href='http://AlzheimersDisease.net' target='_blank'>AlzheimersDisease.net</a> Team member 
2. Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT
 <inline-mention username="Scott Matheny" user-id="6687915"/> I have attached a link to Giving Voices choir. the link leads you to a choir finder. <a href='https://givingvoicechorus.org/for-singers/u-s-choruses/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://givingvoicechorus.org/for-singers/u-s-choruses/</a> Not sure if there are any choruses near you and Kathy, but was thinking your mother in law, might enjoy this choir. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "AlzheimersDisease.net Team Member"
Lynn Marie Witt, MSOT
<inline-mention username="CommunityMember742f43" user-id="6717131"/> thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you husband is extremely supportive and I am glad to hear that you were able to hire a personal care assistance. The "Giving Voice" chorus is a phenomenal chorus. I first saw a piece on one of the news shows featuring the choir. What a great support system everyone in your chorus must be to each other. Does your husband also sing in the chorus with you? Also I have to say you are a very impressive woman. Shape note singing is amazing and such a part of our American history. If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been shape singing? This activity/art form is so great to keep your mind active. Recalling the shapes with the notes/sounds, is great brain stimulation. The arts are so great for keeping both sides of your brain stimulated. Keep doing what you love, sing...sing...sing!!! Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "AlzheimersDisease.net Team Member"

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