Beyond dementia

Beyond dementia diagnosis

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I am a woman who lives in the southwest who has been sober 5 and a half years through alcoholics anonymous and the strength of god. I love animals and reading about animal behavior. I have awesome, supportive friends that i love dearly. I want a wordpress account to write random thoughts and poems and get feedback from others.

Hello, welcome to the dementia journey

It’s Monday, November, 2, 2025 and I have been thinking about starting this blog before, but today seemed to be a good day to embark on this journey with other dementia travelers.

So I’ve been diagnosed with mild dementia. I’m no stranger to it. My dad had it, my mom had it and I was a caregiver for clients with dementia for 12 years. I’ve seen all stages. It’s a hell of a disease. I’m starting this blog particularly for people who think they may have dementia, as well as those who have been diagnosed. I’m hoping we can all come together to offer our support, strength, and kindness to one another.

ill go first. I’m seeking advice on how to tell friends about my diagnosis. My concern is that I will be rejected and my friends will disappear when I need them the most. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks. Carol

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10 responses to “Hello, welcome to the dementia journey”

  1. Brian Scott Avatar
    Brian Scott

    Hi Carol, welcome to WP. I have no experience with dementia at all but my father had Parkinsons and Prostate Cancer which then spread and that was that, sadly. I am constantly checking myself for signs of Parkinsons, not the tremors but memory issues, my partners family have a history of dementia so we’re both kind of on the lookout. My real point is, I have always believed in openness and honesty so, I’d be inclined to tell those nearest around me but, maybe giving thought to their situations and personalities too, I think some people may disappear but, were they real friends in that case? Reaching out to others in a similar situation may be one way to communicate openly about your and their journeys?
    Just my thoughts after reading your post, I wish you all the best and all the luck in whatever you decide with this 🙂

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    1. carolfmiller Avatar
      carolfmiller

      Thank you so much Brian. You’re right, were they truly friends if they don’t stick around after my diagnosis. I read in a book written by a person diagnosed that they did pick and choose and consider personalities. I want people to know I’m the same as I was before just with some new challenges.

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    2. carolfmiller Avatar
      carolfmiller

      I’m sorry about your dad. So sad to lose a parent. Both my parents are gone now. Even though I’m 60 years old, it’s hard to lose them.
      I have a friend with Parkinson’s and on top of that now has dementia. We relate to each other..about the cognitive issues. It helps to have someone you can relate to.

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      1. Brian Scott Avatar
        Brian Scott

        Thanks Carol, I’m 68, my mum is still going strong at 88 and getting stronger after coping the dad going. I think having someone or lots of people to relate with is vital, sharing thoughts, concerns and experiences may be so helpful and supportive.

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      2. carolfmiller Avatar
        carolfmiller

        Hi again Brian. Yes, I agree. The more people to relate to is so important. I have trouble asking.for support but I’m hoping doing this blog and sharing my experience with dementia could help me meet more people.

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      3. Brian Scott Avatar
        Brian Scott

        I’m fairly new to it Carol and I’m fin ding it a much nicer, better place to be than ANY (anti) social media platforms, I detest all the commercial sites with a passion. I am now on Mastodon, a very different experience and I see a good numb er of people on there who have various issues they deal with but they seem ok sharing there, there may even be groups / servers purely for these topics.

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  2. Aykut Temizer Avatar
    Aykut Temizer

    Your openness and vulnerability truly help bring people together. Thank you for sharing your journey and starting this important conversation.

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    1. carolfmiller Avatar
      carolfmiller

      Thank you so much. I really truly believe this is an important conversation to have. Dementia has, or will affect everyone in someway and if I can share my journey to help others who have been diagnosed know they are not alone as well as help others who maybe family members understand their loved one better than I think I’ve done well

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  3. Traci Lee Avatar
    Traci Lee

    Hello Carol, I do not have dementia so you can take my comment with a grain of salt. However, I think what you are doing is very brave. I think this is a great way to keep your mind working and sharing your experience with others. Maybe you could share your blog with your friends and family so that they can keep up with your journey?

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    1. carolfmiller Avatar
      carolfmiller

      Hi Traci, thanks for your feedback. Your right! Maybe when I tell them my diagnosis, I can invite them to this site. That’s actually perfect, because I’ll be sharing on here about my journey so they will get a better idea about what I’m going through. Thanks!

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