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
- Label: …Melanie P. Wagner…
- Previous/current occupation(s?): was a Correctional Officer & wife and mom…
- Nation, & state if desired: USA, Upstate New York…
- Age at tentative diagnosis: 40 years old…
- Year of diagnosis: 2011…
- How long for definitive diagnosis: Definitive 2011 …
- Type of dementia, if known: Fronto-Temporal Dementia; Early-Onset of Alzheimer’s; Cortico-Basal Syndrome….
- Since diagnosis, what one or more action, success, or accomplishment do you take pride in? Just started a personal blog on the experiences I have gone through before, during and after diagnosis and the ongoing treatments, tests and everyday living at: https://mwagner21.wordpress.com/ . Recently joined the Dementia Alliance International. My family and I have been advocating and spreading awareness about Early-Onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. We do the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day along with our daughter who does fundraising through her school.
- What do you wish your primary Physician knew about dementia? … about you? Wow – where to start. First: Admitting to not knowing enough or if anything about the disease of Early-Onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Second: Better communication; training and learning to be able to help me and my family more. Third: If not able to fully understand or want to take the time to learn more than refer us to a better and more educated primary care provider.
- What do you wish your specialist Physician knew about dementia? … about you? Finally after going through many specialists, I have finally found one who knows a lot about the disease and being proactive instead of the many others before, who either lacked in education or helpfulness and who just wrote me off with that there’s no cure, so “why bother” Type of treatment.
- What do you wish your family knew about dementia? … about you? More motivation to get a better understanding of the disease. More and more patience with me and when I act “normal” to the disease’s side effects, that they would be more understanding. Also, be more of a support in informing others in our immediate life on the “why and how” I act and that I can’t control what I do or say. I have a great family, but learning and understanding and patience (and I do understand at times this is really hard) but those 3 words – mean the world to me especially on my bad days.
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