“Suddenly Losing Consciousness…”

Seven years ago, when I was working as a caregiver at a group home for people with dementia, something happened one day. After returning home from a night shift, I planned to rest a little and then go out to visit a friend. But suddenly, I must have lost consciousness. When I came to, I found myself collapsed at the entrance of my home.
Later, after undergoing tests at a general hospital, I was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The doctor told me, “You should quit your job,” so I left my work in caregiving. Having spent many years caring for my mother who had dementia, I somehow accepted the diagnosis calmly.

My Husband’s Support and “Origami Crane” Rehabilitation

My husband also decided to close the barbershop he had run for many years and changed to a more flexible job so that he could respond quickly if anything happened.
As for me, I felt restless staying home alone, so I began folding origami cranes as a form of rehabilitation. I thought that making small cranes might help stimulate my brain, so I cut origami paper into four pieces and steadily kept folding them. When I accumulate some, I deliver them to the AAJ.
Every year, on World Alzheimer’s Day, my cranes are included with outreach materials, along with messages I have written. I have no idea how many cranes have taken flight from my hands, but I pray that they will help deepen understanding of dementia.

My Motto: “Don’t Worry Too Much”

My closest friend, with whom I attended the same school from elementary through high school, has remained unchanged in her friendship even after I told her about my dementia. She continues to invite me out, and that truly makes me happy.
As a first-generation member of the Tokushima Boys and Girls Choir, I still love to sing, and I enjoy karaoke with my friends.
In September 2025, after a lecture by Ms. Shinobu Yamanaka, I found myself naturally speaking on stage together with the Tokushima branch representative, Ms. Miyako Goto, a “Hope Ambassador.” I don’t remember what I said, but staying true to my motto―“don’t worry too much”―I simply spoke as I am.
Now, we are talking about gathering the cranes I have folded into a thousand-crane offering and bringing them to Hiroshima. When that time comes, it is my dream to meet others living with dementia there as well.

Written by Yoshiko Nakabayashi
Translated by Satoshi Nakano