how to tell others of my diagnosis

I know. This is the club that nobody wants to belong to! But it's so helpful to hear from others in similar situations. Keep writing on this forum - there's lots of useful information, and it's a place to share the hard stuff.

I don't know if this is helpful. But I have a similar situation. I was diagnosed some months ago. I know I have MCI.What I've chosen to do is is to say to some friends, colleagues, and family that I've had tests that indicate that I have the biomarkers of Alzheimer's, that these are good predictors of a disease that is progressive, but that at least for now, I'm doing OK, and continuing to do the things that I enjoy. And how long will "for now" continue? If I get follow-on questions about what the future holds I've responded that i don't know, as the rate at which the disease progresses is quite variable. So far that's worked reasonably well. Saying that I have biomarkers for the disease, rather than that I have the disease, seems to have been useful because people associate the disease with dementia, i.e. don't fully get that there are early stages of the disease at which point people affected do not act demented.

Welcome to the "Alzheimers Club" I've been in it for almost 3 years now .where in it deep not the plague but by others response you think it might be, oh well i guess we find the real friends. our state alzy group put on a state wide art show forpeople with alzy, i put in 4 works that were excepted, gave a little speech about famous artists who had alsy its who we are now a huge number of people whose job it is to teach others what the challenges and changes our new world contains, we are a proud group in shock but we have each other and hopefully a kind care partner to help carry the flag. yes i have alzheimers and it will kill me one day but right now here i am so take it or leave it or give a hand there's no middle ground any more for me. take a moment and i will speak of the alzy road!!!!!!!!!…………..

Good you found a group and that you are using your art. I like alzy road. I think I will adopt it as newly diagnosed and alternating between acceptance/treatment or do nothing/stop all other meds/research legality in my state of assisted suicide once I start loosing myself. Just reading and posting here. As an artist I find some relief while painting. But sitting down to start is mind challenging. Good luck in your road.

I was diagnosed through a blood test and MRI about a month ago. I go to a neurologist for tremors and usually see his PA (haven't seen him in 3 or 4 years!). The PA is awesome! I mentioned to her that I've been having trouble finding words. She scheduled blood work and the MRI. I told family members and a few close friends. After reading some of these messages, I don't feel so alone. I am being proactive though. I am going to a support group of people in the early stages next week. I have an appointment set with a therapist because I know I will need that. Most of the people I've told do not want to talk about it. I talk about it when I feel I need to. Some of the people I've told said, "I never would have guessed!" Well, I only have the word finding problem so far! I am trying to learn as much as I can. My mother had Alzheimers so that and the support group I went to are my only experiences with it. I am glad to have found this!!

This is lovely! It represents how I feel even though I am only 8 months into my MCI/Alz diagnosis. Thank you. Wishing you only the best!

I would be interested in such a group.

This is wonderful. Everyone helping each other. Each journey is different, but yet the same. Share what your comfortable sharing.

eagle

Natalie died when she was 69 in 2013; she was already in Wexner Heritage Village in Columbus, Ohio who she joined with her mother, Celia in her late 80's. I live south of this in Lancaster, Ohio, but I plan living the end of my life if it's all possible. My moto is to live actively, both physically and mentally. I feel like a pioneer in a way. ;) I was diagnosed by Ohio State University's neurology department. I'm probably the youngest person, here at 54, though. My grandmother, Celia, didn't have CADASIL as far as I am aware, she just had issues closer to Altzheimer's disease in her later days. CADASIL was diagnosed in the 1990's is what I was told by the neurologist. A lot of this is guesses comparing what I've experienced to my mother.

No one can find the words for someone facing a death sentence so they avoid the truth. I am two years into the nasty Alz! I am still myself, so I approach the subject just like that. I am here, but . . .

I would be interested. I am 75. Diagnosed 12/2025 with MCI/Alz. Wishing you all the best!

The first person I told was my therapist. She told me that we would get through it together. She's incredibly supportive even though she has her own serious health issues. The second person I told was my husband. He asked me how I knew (I'd just gotten the results of my PET scan.), and he told me we'd go on just like we had been going on. He has problems expressing his emotions. I believe he's actually in a lot of pain about this, and unaware of exactly what AD is and how it progresses. I will have to be gentle in educating him. I plan on telling a good friend when I see her next month. And possibly a friend whose husband has Alzheimer's. I have a small group of close friends, and I don't know how, when, or if to tell them. I am afraid of unintentionally hurtful responses. It's an awkward diagnosis for friends and family to handle, I guess. I'm 73 and feeling very good presently. Wishing you all the best of luck in telling your friends and family.

Super helpful. I haven’t been diagnosed with cognitive impairment (yet!) and have mildly (?) elevated amyloids. I wonder where I fit in the Alzheimer’s world and what terminology to use. Your suggestions are super helpful. And supportive. Thank you.