From Diagnosis to Dialogue: Finding Purpose Through Blogging

Before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Greg Nelson spent his career as a leadership developer helping others grow. About a year and a half ago, his wife Shasta began to notice changes in his memory and urged him to get evaluated. They went to UC Davis’s  Healthy Aging Clinic, where cognitive testing suggested mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A neurologist later ordered a PET scan and by mid-February, Greg had an official Alzheimer’s diagnosis.For Greg, who didn’t want to retire and loved his work, this set off a shift in identity. Part of adjusting has meant finding a new voice. He now writes candidly about his experience living with Alzheimer’s — keeping a blog and sharing posts for his kids, his community, and for others going through similar challenges. Greg says that writing about his experience and connecting with others online has been a game changer, helping him find community and purpose after his diagnosis.In this conversation with Being Patient’s Mark Niu, the couple breaks down early signs, from trouble with tracking TV plots to feeling overwhelmed by multi-step instructions. They also share what the diagnostic process can really look like: months-long waits, hours of neuropsychological testing and the importance of establishing a clear baseline. They explain why they chose to be public about Greg’s diagnosis — writing blog posts and having candid public conversations to reduce shame, invite support, and help others feel less alone as they navigate Alzheimer’s in real time.If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_  Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices  Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers  LinkedIn:   / being-patient  Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category...

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