I got a clean bill of health this week. I took my annual cognitive exam, and it shows no cognitive decline over the past three years. That's great news. I feel like my brain has been working fairly well. Of course, there is memory decline – I can't remember a lot of what I've done, the people I meet, conversations I've had, or things I've seen. But my executive functioning seems to be pretty good, as does my short-term memory. So I'm happy, and so is my husband. It's been four years since I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
I do my best to stay engaged, making a point every day to do something social. I do a short yoga routine and walk every day, and do water aerobics or weights daily, as well as the New York Times crossword, Wordle and Sudoku – with occasional help from my husband. I eat well, though I'm gaining weight because two of my antidepressants are appetite stimulants, leaving me hungry all the time. Fighting weight gain is a constant, obsessive battle – one I'm not winning – but not being depressed is worth the trade-off. I wear my hearing aid all the time. I don't particularly like it, but I know that hearing conversations clearly helps slow cognitive decline.
I stay on the board of the Durango Dementia Coalition, which has been quite active lately and doing great work. I am a member of Professional Associates of Fort Lewis College, and I volunteer at the Durango Public Library bookstore and at Manna. I stay involved politically with a group in Arizona and one here in Durango. Each week I talk to my kids and grandkids, though I can't keep track of what they're all doing – but they don't seem to mind telling me again and again what classes they're taking or what's happening at work. My husband and I have a routine that gives me great delight. It leaves him time to do the things he loves, me the time to do the things I need, and still gives us plenty of time together for the things we enjoy.
I'm not winning this battle, but I'm doing reasonably well at holding it off for the time being – and I'm grateful for all the friends who encourage me.
Oh, and one more thing: In a few days I'm headed to Europe to meet up with my daughter and grandson. It's my first trip on my own since my diagnosis. Wish me luck.
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.
