Working?

Marie2020

I’m in the stage in which I recognize my own diminished cognitive skills, but don’t have a diagnosis yet. My job performance is suffering, which is very stressful. How did you navigate this phase? Which came first, your diagnosis or problems at work? Did you resign, or use long term disability? Our family relies on my employment for health insurance as well as our primary income.
Thanks.

tboard

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73494/working

I am sorry that you are going through this. I care for someone with mixed dementia. You should consider getting a diagnosis. I found that once my husband was diagnosed it opened the door for treatment and support and even for a sticker for our car so we can park in a handicap spot when needed. There are medications that help slow the progression. That might be what you need to transition into the next stage or to decide what you are going to do next.

eaglemom

I'm sorry that you find yourself in this position. Its scary and frustrating at the same time. Let me say this, keep your job. Do not get into a situation where you are replaced.

Having said that, have you been to your PCP and discussed your concerns? If not, I suggest getting an appointment ASAP. The PCP may refer you to a neurologist or may chose to handle your case. Get that in place now.

You said your work is suffering. Has management spoken with you about it? Don't give them too many details, but equally do not fib to them either.

Get these steps in place and we can help you go forward from there. We are here to help.

eagle

Iris L.

It is very important to get a diagnosis because some conditions may be reversible or manageable with treatment if caught in time. Unfortunately the diagnostic process can take some time.

In the meantime you may request work accommodations to enable you to do your work. It is not necessary to tell your employer for what condition you are requesting the work accommodations. You can visit www.askjan.org for information about work accommodations.

Depending upon your situation, you may think about requesting short term disability (sick leave) while you are in the diagnostic process if you cannot do your work.

After you get a diagnosis, you will know if you may return to your work or if you will need to request long term disability. You may want to consult an employee benefits professional for guidance.

Iris

shaffir

So I'm 70 years old retired 3 years now and just got diagnosed with Alzheimer's early on.My mother went through it in her 80's. I have found about working is to continue what you know and have experience in if you can, exercising and eating right helps. I cant do what i did skill wise because my vision and motor control have changed with the decades. But i still want to do it none the less.Keep challengeing yourself and may find it can happen, maybe at a slower pace.

sdredfern

I'm 61 and I was diagnosed with MCI over 5 years ago. AD runs in my family (my Mom has it, my maternal grandmother, grandfather and uncle all had it), so when I noticed that I was beginning to struggle at work to find the right words, or words and names would "get stuck" in my brain and felt like I was no longer keeping up with my own expectations, I went to see a neurologist and was clinically diagnosed even though a brain MRI showed no loss of white matter. The diagnosis helped me make sense of what I was feeling even though no one else could see the signs including my wife. Over the last 5 years I've changed jobs because I realized that the way my brain works now, the stress and pressure of my old technology career was making my symptoms worse. I'm working now in nonprofits in an area I'm passionate about, and I still actively learn and achieve new job-related certifications. I know my brain works differently now and I look for roles that are better suited to the new me. It's a little hard to give up those old roles, but I'm also happier.
I'll share a few insights: For years I did not share it with anyone because I felt that talking about it at work would be the end of my professional career. When I left my tech career job, I told my boss why and he asked me not to go and was insistent that we could work through it. My team was incredibly supportive too and didn't want me to go. I knew changing careers was right for me, but what I learned was that keeping it inside robbed me of an important support network at work and added stress as I tried to compensate and hide it. My work family cared and supported me! My former boss was even one of my biggest recommenders for my new role in a nonprofit org after I completed some certifications! I shared my diagnosis with the CEO of the nonprofit I joined, and she was extremely supportive as well and asked me very compassionate questions about how it affects me.
So... I recommend seeing a neurologist and knowing for sure where you stand with AD. Don't just quit, you are still a valuable worker! Don't sell your work family short, they could very well be extremely supportive of you. Now may even be the time to jump into that new career you may have been thinking about too because we still learn just like we used to and change can be refreshing and energizing!