Undergoing a diagnosis and moving from Wakayama Prefecture to Oita Prefecture

I am originally from Kyoto Prefecture and had lived in Wakayama Prefecture for many years. However, a few years ago, my forgetfulness increased, and I became anxious as I grew distant from my friends I used to socialize with. When I sought medical attention, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s type dementia in February 2023. Even with neighbors I had gotten along well with before, frequent problems arose during garbage disposal, leaving me feeling depressed. Because it became difficult to live alone, I moved to Hita City in Oita Prefecture, where my cousin lives in May. I now live with my cousin and her husband. 

Feeling nervous in an unfamiliar place

At first, I was filled with anxiety about living in an unfamiliar place, but my cousin, who welcomed me, I believe, was even more worried about things like the progression of my dementia and how to interact with me.
Although I still sometimes forget things, I no longer feel depressed or withdrawn, perhaps because of the sense of security I have since I started to live with my cousin and her husband.

Loves meeting people and quickly become friends with anyone

I have worked at Takashimaya Department Store in Osaka for 35 years, and I have interacted with many people. I originally enjoy meeting people and can quickly become friends with anyone. In Hita too, I actively participate in various places with my cousin. In 2024, we participated together in the Kyushu/Okinawa Peer Exchange Meeting held in Okinawa. Over the past two years living with my cousin, I have been frequently praised for my attentiveness and thoughtfulness, as well as my meticulousness and politeness. I have also fulfilled my responsibility well, and I feel very comfortably living this way.

Wanting to be of help to someone―that’s my current role.

I currently attend day service four times a week, participate in Orange Cafe once a month, and do brain training and exercises once a week. In addition, I enjoy hobbies such as calligraphy, social dancing, gymnastics, and mountain climbing, and I am spending my days happily.
In December 2024, I was appointed as an “Oita Prefecture Hope Ambassador.” I believe my role, now as a person living with dementia, is to continue utilizing what I can do to help even just a little and to be of some assistance to someone else.
To everyone across Japan: Even if you have dementia, there are things you can still do. Let’s do our very best to do what we can.

Written by Shigeko Tsuchiya
Translated by Satoshi Nakano