My advice to someone living with a memory impairment and having anxiety with appointments

March 30, 2021

In 2005 at age 47 I was diagnosed with a memory impairment called mild cognitive impairment. I'm pretty sure that before the MCI symptoms invaded my life that anxiety wasn't a problem for me. Now, depending on the severity of my symptoms, my anxiety can get pretty high. I think that what really brings on a lot of anxiety is when the fog rolls in. I will usually listen to music to help me relax while I wait for the fog to clear. I think that medical appointments can cause me anxiety for a number of reasons. If it is a new place that I have never gone to before, or if there are any needles involved that can definitely be a problem. I really hate needles and I have a fear of them. I think that what helps me a lot is to have a plan, write down as much beforehand as I can. For example: what time the appointment is, what time I need to leave and any questions that I need to ask the doctor. I think that the more prepared that I can be, the more relaxed that I will be. It is also useful to bring a small notepad to appointments, in case I need to write anything down that is said to me.