“I’m more than my diagnosis”

Paul shares his experience of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

He reflects on life beyond his diagnosis and the lifestyle changes he made to manage his condition.

What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment in August 2023 although I had my suspicions well before the official diagnosis. 

I was noticing changes in recognition and remembering people’s names. 

I had a scan with the geriatrician and they told me I had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s (disease). 

I was very aware that things were not normal as far as my memory so I made a decision to never drink alcohol again in my life. 

I didn’t drink a lot but I’m a problem solver and wanted to try and solve what was happening. 

Have you used any Dementia Australia services or programs?

In 2003 my mother-in-law was told she had dementia. 

Back then, I didn’t know what dementia was so I studied it at Dementia Australia – we enrolled in classes to have a basic understanding and know how to better look after her. 

After my diagnosis, I went to a Dementia Australia counsellor and I found that extremely good. 

My wife and I also go to a local Memory Lane Cafe which gathers every five or six weeks and we get together with others – I’ve found that very beneficial.

Can you share a little bit about your family and what they mean to you?

I’ve been married 51 years to my wife Sue and I’m very lucky that I have three fantastic daughters and five grandchildren. 

All my daughters have their own different skillset and it’s beautiful to watch them grow and pass on their knowledge to their children. 

This Christmas, all my daughters and their families are coming together so I will get to catch up with all of them.  

Are there other interesting parts of your family story that you’d like to share?

In 2010, I organised a family reunion which was 100 years from the date my grandfather arrived in Australia. 

We had a reunion at the park across from the hotel where he first stayed which is still there today. 

It was fantastic because it really brought the whole family together – it even ended up in the local newspaper!

What did you do for a living?

After my role as a production manager and plant manager, I set up my own business as a handyman and worked for the local council helping the elderly.  

That gave me exposure to dementia and also what carers go through. 

I helped with making home modifications like putting in grab rails and wheelchair ramps, and making things safe for people. 

I got satisfaction out of the creative, hands-on aspect of the job. 

I also did a lot of voluntary work at the nursing home and set up a men’s shed there. 

What hobbies and interests do you have? 

I like woodwork and make lots of things – pen holders, soap boxes, coat racks. 

I make wooden clocks and they all have a name relating to time. For example the clock in the garage is called ‘wasting time’. 

I’m also getting back into leathercraft and have recently made belts and glasses cases.

It used to take me a couple of days but now it might take a couple of weeks as it takes me more time working out how to do certain aspects of it.  

We do a lot of travelling around Australia in our caravan. 

Our most recent trip was nine weeks and we went to Birdsville so we saw both inland and a bit of the coast. 

We normally have an end location pinpointed to make our way to. 

We plan all the kilometres, fuel and costs before we go and then do a trip report which includes some of the photos we’ve taken.

Support and information

Thank you to Dementia Australia Dementia Advocate Paul for sharing his story.

You can find out more about the Dementia Advocates Program on our website.

Dementia Australia provides support to people of all ages who are impacted by dementia.

You can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500, chat with a Helpline Advisor on webchat or email us at helpline@dementia.org.au.