That’s enough! Just let me rest already

It was September 2023 when I was diagnosed with　younger-onset dementia.
I was filled with anger, thinking to myself, “I have to suffer from this illness forever !“.
It is hard to get up every day, and even though my medical test results have not significantly changed, I am sure my condition is worsening. The movement and instability on the left side of my body have increased, making lifting heavy objects such as a water-filled plastic bottle difficult. I strongly believe the saying that only you can understand
your own body. My memory will get worse slowly.
I feel that my dementia has progressed to some extent. Someday, I may forget even the faces of people, and I quickly forget yesterday’s memories as well as new ones. However, since I have younger-onset dementia, I think from my experience that my memory loss will develop gradually. My current physical condition is bad. It’s not enjoyable, it’s painful, and I can’t feel any hope. Sometimes I regret my words when I say something like “to have dreams and hopes.”

A Turning Point

A meeting with Ms. Shinobu Yamanaka* was probably a turning point to become positive in my life.
I met Ms. Shinobu Yamanaka at the “Dementia Forum In Ibaraki” event, “Talking with Shinobu” in December 2023, and we have been interacting since then. In February this year, I participated in the ‘Strawberry Picking and Lunch Party, a networking event for people living with dementia, organized by the Ibaraki Prefecture branch and joined the AAJ. In May this year, I had the opportunity to speak at the general meeting of the Ibaraki Branch.

My mission

The courage to　search, the courage to know, and the courage not to give up.
“Even though I may be confused and faced with difficulties and situations where I have to give us many things, I am still alive.”
When I have decided to live, I want to cherish the courage to move forward.” I dare to tell this to people as my mission. I will live my own way, even if others say or think, ‘You have dementia, right?’. Please have courage and say, ‘It’s no problem, it’s not a big deal’”
I want to convey the message to those who do not understand dementia and motivate the central and local governments to create a more livable society.
Notes
* An active dementia advocator abroad and at home and a member of the ADI Global Dementia Expert Panel. Diagnosed with younger-onset dementia in 2019 at the age of 41. In 2022, she started a Daycare Center called “HAPPY,” where PLWD can work part-time through contracts with business industries, such as farming and car washing.
https://www.dayservice-happy.org/m1Shokai.php

Written by Yusuke Hira
Translated by Satoshi Nakano, Noriyo Washizu