This interview is brought to you in partnership with Eisai and is part of the Journey to Diagnosis series.Eisai: https://www.eisai.com/index.htmlJourney to Diagnosis: https://beingpatient.com/journey-to-diagnosis/Nancy Nelson received an early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2013 — news that changed her life and forced her to rethink what the future could look like. Nelson has channeled her diagnosis into creativity and advocacy, publishing three poetry books, participating in research, and leading early-stage support groups for others living with dementia. She later received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in 2018.Nelson joined forces with Kat Hartley, a pharmacist and brain health professional whose personal life and career have been shaped by Alzheimer’s across generations of her family. Together, they co-founded dangle & dot, a social enterprise built to challenge stigma and reimagine what it looks like to live, work, and connect with dementia.In this conversation with Being Patient’s founder, Deborah Kan, Nelson reflects on the power of early diagnosis and the value of staying socially engaged after a diagnosis. Hartley offers the perspective of a care partner and advocate working to replace the usual tragedy narrative with one rooted in dignity, resilience, and connection. Their discussion highlights a central message: while dementia brings real change, purpose, community, and support can still shape a rich and active life.---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: https://twitter.com/Being_Patient_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingpatientvoices/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingpatientalzheimersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/being-patientBeing 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://beingpatient.com/live-talks/

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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