Receiving a dementia diagnosis is a deeply personal experience. So is supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed. Here, members of the coalition share their stories.

It is our hope that in reading them, you will feel inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and that you will feel a sense of connection in learning about others whose experiences resemble your own.

We are overwhelmingly grateful to The Durango Herald, The Journal, and the Alzheimer's Association for publishing these stories. Without the contributions of such organizations, our members would never reach as large of an audience.

If you would like to submit suggestions for our website's content or request to join our email list, you can contact us at Durangodementiacoalition@gmail.com.

‘Don’t have confidence to explain what I’m thinking’

Kim Martin | Mar 24, 2024

I am often asked what changes I notice as my Alzheimer’s disease progresses. The overarching symptom is lack of confidence. I was lucky before in that I had an abundance of confidence in almost everything I did. But that has changed drastically and it affects many things.

‘Dementia is not a journey to be taken alone’

Pat Demarest | Feb 11, 2024

In talking recently with Kim Martin, who writes a column for The Durango Herald about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and experiences, she was incessantly worried for her husband, Steve. He will be giving up his life. Will he resent her? He will have to change his life to care for her. What will he miss out on? Perseverating.

‘Then there are the holidays. Many expectations I won’t meet’

Kim Martin | Dec 24, 2023

To be honest, I’m feeling lousy-depressed, and anxious, I have a poor appetite, I have muscle cramps, and no energy. It’s probably at least in part situational. We’re making a double move. One in December from our rental condo to our country house. Then in spring to a condo that we bought in town. Will be downsizing even further.

Alzheimer’s Moved up Home Deconstruction

Kim Martin | Nov 22, 2023

It’s funny how one small action can carry a mountain of meaning. I was caught off guard by my reaction to tossing out little drawings done years ago by our grandchildren. Tears rolled down my cheeks. When I spoke of it a few days later, once more, tears flowed down. Yet again, a few weeks later, talking to a professional, I recalled the act of throwing out old papers and I openly cried.

Months of Constant Contrasts

Kim Martin | Sep 3, 2023

If you’ve seen me in the last few weeks, you may have noticed a little spark that I’ve been missing for the past year. I’m coming out of my grief and sorrow. I know this because I have energy. Food tastes good to me now. I want to be engaged. I even would like to do more volunteer work. In contrast, let me show you what I started to write for this column last month, but decided not to because it would be too depressing for my readers.

When a Loved One Becomes 'Someone I Never Knew'.

Mary Nowotny | Aug 20, 2023

I found I hardly knew that guy at our dinner table dressed in a T-shirt and swaddled in a double layer of adult diapers. Could this be the same person who took me to the only five-star restaurant in St. Louis on our first date more than 40 years before? My husband had captivated me at first meeting. Now the once wise attorney, doting dad and caring partner was someone I never knew before.

Some US Airports Strive to Make Flying More Inclusive for those who have Dementia.

Mary Nowotny | Aug 20, 2023

Andrea Nissen is trying to prepare her 65-year-old husband, who has Alzheimer’s disease, for a solo flight from Arizona to Oklahoma to visit family. She worries about travelers and airport officials misinterpreting his forgetfulness or habit of getting in people's personal space, and feels guilty about not being able to accompany him. She learned about the resources available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and what assistance airlines can offer when asked.