Former social worker Anita Goundry was told she may only have five years to live after her devastating diagnosis â but she’s defying the odds
Anita Goundry, 55, found out she had Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia five years ago. Here, she explains why people should never judge a book by its cover.
Every single time I tell people that I have Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia they say, “But you’re far too young â are you sure that you have it?!” I was in my early fifties when I was diagnosed, but even now people will tell me that they don’t think I have the disease because I don’t fit the “stereotype”.
After nearly 10 years of unexplained symptoms, the diagnosis explained a lot. I’d spent the past decade forgetting words, getting confused and losing my balance. I’d also forgotten where I was going on the odd occasion, and would get on a bus and not remember where to get off. But still, every time I went to a doctor, I was told that my symptoms were down to menopause, stress or depression.
It wasn’t until I’d experienced a mini stroke that I was diagnosed following a brain scan. In 15 minutes my life turned upside down. A doctor told me that I’d have four or five years left to live and I was given a will pack and told to get a power of attorney. I sat there in shock because I couldn’t believe the news.