Let's talk about living with a memory impairment

(Chapter 26 MCI Tool Box in my book)

No matter what a doctor tells someone who is diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment,

they really don't have all the answers and a lot of them are pretty clueless about MCI. I would say that MCI affects everyone differently. I don't really understand why a neurologist would tell someone that it shouldn't bother you. If it wasn't bothering you, then you wouldn't need a neurologist. I was diagnosed in 2005 at age forty-seven with MCI and I'm so grateful that it has not progressed to dementia.

My advice to anyone who has been diagnosed would be to lessen the stress in your life. Please make sure that you do that. I know from my experience all these years that too much stress just makes my symptoms much worse and the fog is greatly increased. This advice was actually given to me by my first neurologist and I totally agree with it. Try to surround yourself with people who can be supportive rather than someone who doesn't even take the time to find out how they can help you. You definitely don't need anyone in your life who will judge or criticize you when you make a mistake, especially when MCI is to blame. I also believe in starting my day with a positive attitude.