People have looked at my blog and questioned how I can possibly have dementia. They wonder how someone with a diseased brain can possibly write so fluently. I’m thankful that part of my brain isn’t broken, that while words lose themselves on their way out of my mouth, the written ones make it on to the page before it’s too late. It’s sad when the things you continue to do make people question whether you have dementia. They’re not inside my brain to hear or see the hallucinations. Would it make them feel better to see me on a foggy day, the type where I curl up under my duvet and hide away from the world? Would that make the disease fit better into the pigeonhole they’ve allocated it?

So many times reading this wonderful memoir, I wanted to give Wendy Mitchell a standing ovation for continuing to find ways to live well and happily, despite the system, her employers, and people around her doubting her. Really many gave up on her when she was only in the very early stages of early-onset dementia. The assumptions that her life is done, finished, do more harm than good. Wendy is down-to-earth, inventive and resourceful in how she copes. Now, do I think everyone can have such a positive attitude? Perhaps not, many wouldn't have the opportunity, but it's wonderful to see how Wendy again and again turns expectations on their head. Everyone should read this memoir; it teaches you not only about the experiences of someone living with dementia, but also how our important language is when talking to (or about) someone with a disability or illness. This book was also really well structured and put together, with the help of a ghostwriter Anna Wharton, and that makes it a very easy and enjoyable read. I will be recommending it to many and I wish Wendy all the best in her quest to make the most out of life. Fantastic!

Wendy is so brave and eloquent! Thank you for sharing your journey.

Absolutely remarkable. My grandfather has Alzheimer's and some of the ways in which he describes his feelings are uncannily similar to how Wendy described them. The book definitely helped me to understand better what he's going through

Excellent memoir that puts you into the mind and body of the author. How she experiences her condition and manages her life is heroic and beautiful. Very moving and enlightening, not just about early onset Alzheimer’s, but relates to any chronic condition and how to cope. Very articulate and energetic person, who is inspiring and driven. I have recommended this book to all my friends, relative and book clubs.

BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Interesting but goes on a bit. How does someone with dementia remember enough to write such a detailed book !?

My mom has dementia. I am always glad to see her, and as I write this, we have just been able to have the first in person visit in 14 months.

I was reluctant to read this book but I sure am glad I did. Highly recommended to see life through the eyes of a person with dementia. Some observations from the beginning of dementia: don’t call us ‘suffering with dementia’, change is very hard on us, those at the start of dementia can use tools to help get through daily tasks. These are things I knew but it was powerful to hear it from someone with this brain situation.

I am now following the author on Twitter- she has not lost her words :)

What an informative, positive read. I learned a lot about Alzheimer's Disease and what it must feel like to live with it. We hear a lot from caretakers' POV, but it is more rare to hear from someone living with it.

It is amazing the things humans can do. Wendy has been living with Alzheimer's Disease for 5-ish years (I'm not sure when she was diagnosed) and she has found ways to live alone, go on trips, and continue educating the public about her disease. She's inspirational and amazing.

Mitchell talks about being diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's. She mixes describing the progression of her disease and how she starts 'living with' dementia (as opposed to 'suffering from' dementia), with vignettes addressed to her previous self. Moving and excellently written, it's an ultimately hopeful and educational read.

This book is by a patient for health care providers. I recommend every memory care provider to read this book. Mitchell provides an invaluable prospective as a patient we so often label as "unreliable". Love your patients, love your loved ones, read this book.