I Was Diagnosed, But…

In 2015, while I was serving as a local welfare commissioner, I became aware that I was having memory problems and consulted my family doctor. At that time, I was diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment). In 2017, I attended the Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference held in Kyoto, where I met Kate Swaffer.* Then, in 2018, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. For some time after being diagnosed with MCI, I continued my work as a local welfare commissioner while taking Aricept. When I was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, my first reaction was, “What? Really?!” It was a shock. I wasn’t so upset that I cried, but I remember thinking, “Now I’ve become just like those elderly ladies I used to help…” These days, I often find myself thinking, “So this is how those elderly ladies must have felt.”

Everyday Life — and My Love of Looking Good

To maintain my physical strength and keep an eye on my health, I receive home nursing and home-based rehabilitation services twice a week. These mainly involve going for walks. I also attend a day care service once a week, where I enjoy chatting with others and taking part in recreational activities. I hang out and fold the laundry almost every day. From time to time, I also do other household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom, preparing meals for my family, and weeding the garden. One of the things I have always enjoyed is going to my regular hair salon. However, as I am no longer as confident about my physical stamina, I am planning to have my hair done by a hairdresser who visits the day care center instead. I have always loved fashion and makeup. I once studied beauty treatments and gave them to friends and family, and I have also helped out at makeup shows. Even now, I spend about an hour every morning getting dressed and doing my makeup.

There Are Difficulties, but I Don’t Dwell on Them

One thing I find difficult is that I can no longer go out by myself. Even when I just want to pop out and do a little shopping, I feel anxious about going alone. Every year, a childhood friend of mine who enjoys pastel painting sends me an invitation to an exhibition. But my family is busy and cannot take me there, so I feel lonely and disappointed…
But there’s no point worrying about things we cannot change. So let’s not dwell on our troubles. Let’s stay positive and cheerful and keep moving forward!

*Kate Swaffer is an advocate and activist who has worked internationally to promote the rights and inclusion of people living with dementia.

Written By Sonoko Eguchi
Translated BY Satoshi Nakano