I have recently been diagnosed with "Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease". It is the most common cause of dementia among older Canadian adults (I'm almost 83).
I was diagnosed by a senior health official at the Region of York in Newmarket, in early October, with my oldest daughter in attendance. We had an hour-long discussion, during which I was told that I was to be given a very quick memory test. I was given five words to remember which I was told to repeat, in correct order, several minutes later. I failed that brief memory test, which was no surprise to me. I was then politely and kindly asked to turn over my Ontario Drivers License and I shockingly complied but my life changed on the spot.
Within the past month, and with the much-appreciated help of my new life-partner, Pat, I am coming out of a depressed state and starting a hopefully renewed existence. It has not been easy and has been extremely inconvenient and frustrating. I have felt like a prisoner.
I recently chatted with a friend, of my same age, who experienced a similar experience, but who refused to participate in the same memory test that I failed. He has refused that same test with his own doctors for the past four and a half years!
I mention this only to warn others, who still think that they are able-bodied drivers, to be very cautious about submitting to something that can immeasurably change your life.
Do not go meekly into that dark night.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace
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