This is a place to read about personal experiences with dementia – people with dementia, their caregivers and the professionals who work with them.

Rick’s Story – Finding Hope and Support

Rick Moisan was living with CADASIL, a genetic stroke condition, when his cognitive status began a significant decline into dementia at age 52. He was fortunate to be receiving day treatment through a traumatic brain injury center (MCIR – Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilitation). The following is an excerpt from his journal, written by his social worker with a quote from Rick.

August 28, 2002

During the last two weeks MCIR started a Men’s Group for clients adjusting to brain injury effects. Richard Moisan reports that the group allows him to express himself and be comical if he desires. He feels free to discuss whatever is on his mind. He would like to continue in the group and likes the way that humor is used to get to the point of our discussions. Richard hopes that continued meetings will create a supportive environment. Richard thinks that group discussions will help him deal better with losses he has had to deny related to his injury.
 

“I feel like a broken toy, and I think differently that I did before. I use denial of some difficulties to make it through my days. I hope some day to accept my difficulties and keep my dignity”.

Do you have a story to share?
Throughout the site are stories from Rick and Mary Anne. We are currently gathering more stories and hope to post this information soon. Please check back often.

By sharing your experiences with Young Dementia, we can learn from each other. Please contribute your story here.

You may also find these web sites helpful and/or interesting:

Daily Dementia News Discussion
This is a blog spot that allows you to access the latest dementia related news stories and read thoughts on these news stories submitted by creators of the site and by users.
http://www.dailydementianews.com/
 
DASNInternational: Dementia Advocacy and Support Network
A worldwide organization by and for those diagnosed with dementia, working together to improve quality of life.
http://www.dasninternational.org/

forMemory: Building Hope in Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases
forMemory’s mission it to bring together people affected directly or indirectly by Early Onset Alzheimer's and Related Diseases, to increase their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being through actively and aggressively seeking and finding ways of curing and preventing Early Onset mental and physical dementia in order to replace aloneness with hope, replace fear with knowledge, replace disease with life, and replace silence with a united voice.
www.forMemory.org

Dementia USA
This newly formed organization will serve to unite people with all forms of dementia and those affected by it. The organization’s intent is to will support, comfort, and encourage those who live with dementia, contribute to a better quality of life and ultimately help discover a cure for people with dementia.
www.dementiausa.com