Dementia Success Stories:
“How we made a difference for self and those around us AFTER diagnosis”

A dementia brain-storming project by participants of PWD Perspective newsletter
Compiled and edited by Truthful L. Kindness (yes it is legal name)

 

1) Label: Mr. Craig R. Hanke

2) Occupation: Retired Correctional Sergeant for the state of Wisconsin Department of Corrections

3) Location: USA, WI

4) Age at tentative diagnosis: 55

5) Year of diagnosis: 2014

6) How long for definitive diagnosis: Six Months

7) Type of dementia: Lewy Body Dementia, with early onset of Parkinson’s

8) Since diagnosis: I take pride in the fact that I am still able to function in a pretty normal cognitive mode. I realize that I can no longer do many things without assistance but I will not let this disease control me.

9) I wish my primary doctor knew way more about dementia then He actually does. He had little or no knowledge of what Lewy Body dementia was. I wish he knew how it affects me and everyone else with it individually.

10) My Neurologist knew quite a bit about dementia but not Lewy body in particular. Lewy Body was new to her. I wish she knew the person I used to be before diagnosis. In my profession, I went from receiving numerous awards, to at the end being reprimanded for things that I had no idea were happening.

11) I wish my family knew how this disease can affect me from day to day. There are some days where I “seem and act” normal. There are other days where the least little noise or action can change my whole day. The other thing is that just because I have this disease doesn’t mean I’m the “village idiot.” Some members of my family have treated me that way since being diagnosed.

12) Date: March 23, 2015

Craig is in Dementia Mentors and involved in arranging and supervising care of his mother.

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