Overwhelmed by various symptoms and felt completely lost.

While working as a salesman, I was suddenly hit by various symptoms. I couldn’t remember people’s faces or names, got lost even around home, couldn’t recall events from the previous day, and even lost my memory during conversations. At first, I suspected depression and visited two different psychiatric clinics, but both told me there was nothing abnormal, leaving me feeling hopeless.When I was considering quitting my job, I casually mentioned my symptoms to an otolaryngologist, he suggested that there might be an issue with my brain and recommended further testing. This is when I learned that my symptoms were caused by an illness.

Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2015

In 2012, I was diagnosed with the possibility of two conditions: encephalitis (anti-glutamate receptor antibody encephalitis) and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I prioritized treatment for encephalitis, underwent training at a vocational rehabilitation center for people with disabilities, hoping to return to work as a salesman. However, in 2015, I was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I was devastated when the diagnosis changed. In just a few years, I might become bedridden and a burden to my family, eventually losing my ability to even recognize myself… I could lose my job and end up placing the burden of childcare and living expenses solely on my wife… I’ve started to think that it might be easier for my wife if we divorce.

While staying at home, I was invited to a Family meeting.

I was staying at home feeling self-destructive but I was invited by the family association and participated reluctantly. That event became the turning point for my recovery. Hearing fellow patients with the same illness talk about various things with a smile made me think, ‘I want to become like them’, and gradually I began to change into a more positive mindset.

Ten years since diagnosis, living true to myself

It has been ten years since my diagnosis, and I am here today thanks to the support of many people. I am living my way. I continue to work, and I enjoy my hobbies such as the monthly gathering with colleagues called ‘Doushikai’, the radio show once a month, and archery on Sundays and public holidays. I have continued blogging over 6,000 times. A common challenge among my peers is transportation—taxis are too expensive to use regularly. We often talk about how nice it would be to have some kind of support for going out and transportation.

To my peers nationwide

We face many challenges in our daily lives, but we have peers. There are people nearby who support us, we’re okay. Please don’t worry. Let’s keep doing slowly what we can do together. Let’s not forget smiles and gratitude.

Written by Katsushi Oshiro
Translated by Satoshi Nakano