Hello and Welcome to Dementia Support Networks, USA.
When most of us hear the words, "You have dementia, probably of this or that type," we seek out professionals, websites, books and articles, and organizations that we believe can give us the information we require to adjust to living either directly or indirectly with the symptoms of dementia.
When, in fact, what we really need, especially in the early stages of our symptoms and newly discovered diagnosis, is each other. What we really need are friends who understand, friends who know what we are going through in our minds, and especially our hearts. We need to seek out kindred spirits.
My vision is a world with many folks living successful and purposeful lives with the symptoms of dementia. In this world, each of us is connecting, and connected to each other, initially through "Hello Dinners." We are kindred spirits. Indeed, each of our spirits is connected to each other through shared beliefs, similar life experiences, and feelings. Although persons living with the symptoms of dementia and their caregivers may differ slightly from each other, we are all wrestling with the same symptoms and the same disability. We are all trying to do what is best for each other and ourselves. We all still love each other, it's just that we are now required to express that love it in slightly different ways.
