Before I dive into my thoughts on traveling with dementia, I wanted to give you an update on how my condition is going.
I’m definitely feeling a bit weaker, and my balance and coordination have taken a hit. My gait is different now, and I’m extra cautious, always on the lookout for a chance to fall. On the cognitive front, the changes are gradual, but my husband and I can definitely notice them. It hasn’t gotten to a point where I worry about it, but I’m a bit frustrated with my lack of energy and stamina. I still do my yoga practice and daily walks, but they’re not as much fun as they used to be.
Now, let’s talk about travel. Before I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my husband and I were total travel enthusiasts. We loved exploring new places, meeting locals and discovering hidden gems. We traveled extensively around Asia, Europe, Africa and America. But now, with my Alzheimer’s, we travel differently. We still love to travel, but we do it in a more controlled way. For example, we’ve taken three cruises. They’re not the best way for us to meet locals and explore hidden nooks, but they give us a chance to enjoy seeing new places without the hassle of planning transportation, hotels and sightseeing.
We recently had an amazing trip, mostly on a cruise in Eastern Europe, visiting eight countries. Here are some of the changes I noticed in my travel abilities. First, I was super dependent on my husband and felt uncomfortable when he wasn’t with me, even for a short while. I was often confused about where we were and how to get around. I even had trouble finding the dining hall on our small ship. My husband kept a tight grip on my hand almost all the time. At first, I thought it was a cute romantic gesture, but then I realized he was just as worried as I was.
We met a lot of people, but I couldn’t remember them. I conversed very little in social situations, which was a lot of the time on the boat. I had trouble keeping up with conversations and was usually glad when we returned to our stateroom. I move slowly and deliberately now. We were lucky to have few times when we had to rush. Neither my husband nor I are easily stressed, so we managed everything well. Will we go on another cruise? Maybe. I now think renting a place for a few weeks and doing day trips might be a better option for us.
Here are some suggestions for those traveling with dementia from my Durango Dementia Coalition colleague, Kim Schooley:
For help with air travel, TSA Cares is a program that lets you ask for assistance going through security at airports, if you apply online within 72 hours of the flight. If your flight is within 72 hours, call TSA Cares (855) 787-2227 to ask for help. TSA Cares assistance is only for help at the screening checkpoint. If you need help in-flight or from the curb to the plane, contact your airline. To apply online, go to tinyurl.com/3vf55czk.
In many airports, you can also use the hidden disability sunflower lanyards described here: hdsunflower.com. Some airport information desks have these lanyards available for us.
One DDC member has also used business cards that she made herself to provide information about her partner’s dementia and some of his symptoms. With this card, she was able to use the disabled line in TSA, preboard at the gate, and inform flight attendants of their needs.
Staying socially engaged is really important for those of us who suffer from dementia, so I encourage you to travel for as long as possible. Even if you can’t remember where you’ve been or what you’ve seen, it’s good to have something to look forward to, and our partners need to continue to enjoy travel, too.
Kim Martin splits her time between Hesperus and Durango and is a former instructor of Asian history, writing and comparative cultures at Fort Lewis College. She shares her journey with Mild Cognitive Impairment in occasional guest columns.
