Both my parents died with dementia, though only one was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Besides my gene pool, I also have a TBI from a plane crash in my early 20s (I’m 66 now) that interfered with my cognitive abilities enough to get me medically disqualified from nuclear submarines. I noticed definite cognitive decline in my early 60s — as a software developer, I had trouble holding code in my head — causing me to take early retirement at 62. I keep a daily log of how well I am doing, and the decline, while not large or consistent, is persistent.
My wife and I have our names in at a retirement community with an excellent memory care unit. It is close to my wife’s family, so that she will have support when I become a person who looks like the man with whom she fell in love.
I confess that sometimes I wish for a fast-acting cancer, so that I can pass away holding the hand of the woman I love more than anything, rather than surrounded by strangers in a place I forget about from moment to moment.
Good for you for your positive outlook, Sally, and good luck to you. 💚