My dementia journey started with my student’s complaint

As a teacher, guiding students to pass the exams was essential. However, it was the beaming smile on the student’s faces when they could solve higher-level problems that were my source of power. I also had a good relationship with their parents. I enjoyed my work very much. I lived a fulfilling life.
One day, one of my students complained, “Teacher, the pace of your class is too slow!“. I had not noticed myself. I knew it was something serious and immediately went to the hospital and got a CT scan, which showed that part of my brain was completely white. My brain had already shrunk by 11%. The diagnosis was younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I could not speak, write, or teach. My life as a teacher suddenly ended at the age of 61.

Joined Alzheimer‘s Association Japan after the retirement

I retired from my teaching job and spent my days visiting hospitals. During those days, I had the opportunity to participate in a dementia café in the community. There, I met the Alzheimer’s Association Japan( AAJ) members and learned about the AAJ.
I participated in “Honnin no Tsudoi Yamayuri no Kai,” a meeting for people living with dementia, and enjoyed the music with the members. I registered as a member on the same day, though I joined just as a trial.
The second meeting was an overnight trip to a hot spring! It was an enjoyable and unforgettable memory.

To be a “Machikado Pictures reporter.”

One day, one of the AAJ volunteer steering members called me and said, “Would you like to be a reporter for dementia cafes ?” This invitation was my first encounter with the “Machikado Pictures” project. For this project, people living with dementia and their care partners carry out interviews and take photos in dementia cafes. Then, they stream their reports on YouTube. The purpose is to raise awareness of dementia cafes. I immediately decided to do it, and now I enjoy being a reporter.
“Machikado Pictures” 　https://youtu.be/rWTYL0cq93

Life is still going on.

There are many things I can no longer do due to dementia. But this does not mean that I cannot do anything. And there is much more that can be done instead.
Don’t be too hard on yourself, don’t be in a hurry, and don’t give up.
Take your time. Life is still going on.

Written by Shinichi Hinuma
Translated by Satoshi Nakano, Noriyo Washizu