Tseng Ching-Fang (74) and his wife are living with dementia. They were both diagnosed in 2016.

Hello, I am Ching-Fang. I have worked in plastic electroplating for 50 years! I was diagnosed with dementia in 2016 and I am honoured to be invited to share my experience.

At first, it was about my wife. She would repeat the same question, over and over again. I began to ask myself if she was suffering from dementia, but I was worried that she would not go to the doctor. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings or self-esteem, so I said: “We are getting old. Let’s go to the hospital  for a check-up together.” Surprisingly, my wife and I were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. I was astonished. I had no symptoms whatsoever, and my job performance was all good.  I wondered how this was possible. But, since the disease had been discovered, I had to deal with it.

Optimistic, positive and calm in the face of dementia

After realising I had dementia, I didn’t want to let myself deteriorate, and I didn’t want to be a burden for my daughter.  So, I scheduled activities every day, and sometimes even in the evenings. My wife and I also participated in courses run by the dementia center, including brain exercises, muscle endurance exercises etc. Different classes were arranged in the mornings, from Monday to Friday. My wife needed to rest in the afternoon, so once a week I arranged for myself a yoga class, which was run as a volunteer service. In the evening, I also joined a Waidan Gong class (once a week)  and attended Tai Chi and reading club (twice a week). While my wife attended classes at the center every morning,  nothing else was scheduled. This was due to her lack of physical strength as much as her disinterest in any other activities. Life continued like this for two years, then we had another assessment. The doctor told me that I had greatly improved. I no longer needed to take medicine – I  just needed a follow-up. However, my wife’s condition was different. Her symptoms had not improved, and she had to continue with her medication.

My experience is that, in addition to taking medicines on time and returning to the doctor for regular treatment, it is also necessary to exercise diligently and participate in group activities. This is very helpful in delaying the deterioration associated with dementia. Now, not only can I manage the big and small things in my life, but I can also take good care to my wife. Furthermore, I don’t need to worry about being a  burden on my daughter.

Change and hope

I joined the advisory group of the Taiwan Alzheimer’s  Disease Association in 2019. We have a meeting every month and discuss issues related to dementia. I used to be afraid of speaking out. Now I am brave enough to express my opinions. I was not willing to face dementia. Now I am willing to stand up and speak out! In 2020, I shared my life publicly for the first time, at the World Dementia Month event. I shared my feelings and my experience in the hope that I could help others. In reality, I was the one who benefited. For example, I am no longer afraid of other people knowing that I have dementia and I can see things now from various perspectives. This is so different from my previous experience, including at work.

My sincere advice

If you or someone in your family is thought to have symptoms of dementia, please seek help and medical treatment as soon as possible and encourage them to do the same. If the diagnosis is dementia, the symptoms are very mild in the early stages, so don’t worry! Please follow the doctor’s instructions. Take the medicines and return to the clinic regularly for treatment. Also, please take advantage of your good health to participate in groups, classes, sports,  and volunteer activities. This can help delay the progress of the disease. It might be not easy at first, but it will gradually get better and better! This is my experience. This is what I  want to share.

Thank you.