Cathy - Changes with dementia

I was diagnosed with vascular dementia in March 2023. Nobody seemed to be able to tell me what and when to expect any changes. This is not because they do not want to but because they just do not know.

Recently, I have noticed a change in my speech. I’m stuttering and unable to find the words that I am trying to say. It seems to be worse when I am talking on the phone to people that I do not know. This makes me feel embarrassed and not want to communicate with people. However, I had to make an important phone call. When they answered the phone, I started stuttering and was very anxious. I decided to explain that I have dementia and my speech goes when I feel nervous. The person on the other side of the phone told me not to worry and to take my time. This really helped me to calm down and enabled me to complete my call. Now when I make a phone call or speak to people I do not know, I tell them about my speech, and it has made me feel much better.