There are still a lot of things we don’t understand about mild cognitive impairment, and sometimes even the experts don’t have good answers.
But never underestimate the ingenuity of people with mild cognitive impairment. That doesn’t stop them. They go out and they find their own answers.
I admire that so much, and I really want to make more of an effort this year to share stories like that with you.
Stories of people like Randy. He has issues with cognition, including problems with balance, but he’s found a way to address that, and boy has it put a bounce in his step. So today, let’s talk about what I have learned from Randy.
Hi, I’m Tony Dearing of GoCogno.com, the website for people with mild cognitive impairment.
I always enjoy hearing from the people who watch these videos, and I was very glad recently to hear from Randy.
Just a few weeks ago, I did a piece on balance problems, which are actually very common for people with MCI. I talked about some of the reasons why, but I also had to say experts really haven’t found good ways to address this.
I did shared a few resources and suggestions, but I didn’t feel I had offered any really satisfying solution, and I didn’t even know if there was one. Until Randy sprang into the picture. Literally.
The same day my video ran, he hopped on GoCogno.com and posted a comment letting me know what’s working for him. He bought a trampoline and every day he jumps on it for five or 10 minutes. He says it’s making his legs stronger and improving his balance.
And I just loved that suggestion. It’s so clever. And it working for him.
I’m always careful to protect the anonymity of people I have dealings with, but this video of Randy was shot by his wife from behind and that’s him at his home in Texas, getting his work out in. And you know what, it just plain looks like fun.
Randy is a really interesting guy. He worked as a commercial banker and then, in mid-life, he went back to school, changed careers and became a registered nurse. He says that retraining was very cognitively beneficial at the time. “That was the best thing to reawaken my brain again,” he says. “I could tell it challenged my brain and it was good for me.”
But he’s 77 and retired now, and experiencing cognitive challenges. He talked openly to me about his impairments with memory, and his difficulties learning new things, and his problems with balance.
But he’s working on it. He’s fighting to defend his cognition, and just figuring things out for himself along the way. He told me: “I just want to solve it all myself and do the best job I can do with it.”
So when he wanted to address his balance problems, he thought he’d try a trampoline.
“I jump on it, and as far as balance and memory and coordination, I think it’s superb, he says. “I do side straddle hops, one foot forward and other one back, I raise my hands.”
I love stories like this that demonstrate the ingenuity and resolve of people who are determined to defend their cognition.
I’m always looking to remind you that it is possible to slow, halt or reverse mild cognitive impairment, and there are people out there achieving that. More than you might realize.
Now this is something that’s Randy has found is working for him. And it looks like he’s having fun doing it. I can’t say if it’s the answer for you, or if you should even consider trying it. But I really appreciate Randy sharing it. Because people with MCI can inspire each other and encourage each other. Maybe you try this, or maybe you try something else you’re inspired to do.
If you do, tell me about it. I’d love to hear from you. Maybe I can share your ingenuity, too. I hope to see you again next week. Until then, as always, be kind to your mind.
Thanks Tony for this fun and encouraging video. I loved it and as well I loved Randy’s attitude towards life as he continued to seek challenges that brought meaning to his life and health to his mind and body
Thanks, Mary Lee. I had a lot of fun talking to Randy and doing this video. I am so thankful to him for being willing to share his story, and to supply the video so people could see him in action. I know this is going to encourage and inspire others.
Thank you ! Such an encouraging piece on Fathers Day ! Tony thank you for all
you do.
Randy and to all who have who have shared, THANK YOU…. I am so grateful !
Happy Father’s Day Too All !
Thanks for the comment, Shahidah. I try to keep things positive and encouraging, and I appreciate the feedback. And yes, agreed, the real thanks goes to Randy and other are willing to share their stories. They are the ones out there doing the real work and inspiring others.
I can’t believe my eyes! I must have missed your posting about people with MCI having balance problems, but I went back and read it after seeing this posting. I am FURIOUS!
I have had about 19 falls in the past nine years, 3 of them requiring a hospital visit. I have NEVER had a doctor tell me that this could be from MCI! I thought it was because of the hydrocephalus I have. And yes, wearing progressive in my glasses do cause more falls. I have NEVER had a doctor tell me about this potential problem.
I am furious that physicians know so little about MCI. If I hadn’t learned about MCI in my job to educate seniors about falling for investment scams, I would still be in the dark. As I read up on it, I thought — this sounds like ME. I had to request an MRI and pointedly actually ask the doctor IF I had MCI, and he just nodded his head YES. NO help at all! I have had psychological testing that proved I had problems with my memory, but could never get a doctor to help me apply for disability. I just retired, and going through Social Security & Medicare by myself was enough to make me want to jump off a bridge. I have no children or spouse, and I honestly don’t know if I can process this paperwork myself. I have an ongoing Workers Claim accident from falling at a customer’s site, and the paperwork is enormous. I just went off the medication Concerta ER because it isn’t covered by my Medicare supplement, and I’m worse. That medicine helped me work for nine years with MCI, and it still was a constant battle.
PLEASE EDUCATE PHYSICIANS ABOUT MCI!! Please contact me if I can help in any way to educate others – my profession was in Training. I did create a seminar for seniors on Mild Cognitive Impairment, along with some training aids. My seminar was very well received, and I would like to be a part of changing what’s known about MCI — for the public, and for doctors.
Excellent points here, Nancy. I applaud you for the work you are personally doing to educate people about MCI. I will follow up with you directly to talk more about this.
I don’t remember my neurologist even asking me if I have any problems with my balance. I have had quite a few falls over the past 6 years but I think there is only 1 of them that I can blame MCI for. Thanks for the video! Way to go Randy!
I appreciate the comment, Cheryl. The feedback I’ve gotten from this article and the previous one makes it clear many doctors aren’t aware of this and aren’t talking to their patients about it.
What a remarkable idea that Randy had – who would have thought about a trampoline! It makes perfect sense! I used to do a lot of trampoline jumping and remember what good shape I got in from it. But to “treat” imbalance….please tell Randy thank you for the great idea.
And as always, thanks to you, Tony.
Yes, isn’t that great, Pam? A few weeks ago, I did a piece on how people with MCI get too down on themselves. This is a perfect example of someone who is experiencing cognitive loss, yet is still able to come up with an idea that even the experts aren’t suggesting. Thanks to Randy, indeed.
Thank you Tony! I’ve been away from your always inspiring, knowledgeable and encouraging videos. You are awesome!
Claire, thanks so much for the kind comment. It makes my day. So glad to have you back viewing my videos again.