A wandering mind

Diagnosed with dementia in 2014, Wendy Mitchell has defied a gloomy prognosis, writing a successful blog and a bestselling book. Her secret? Routine - and regular walks in the countryside

- Wendy Mitchell

When were you diagnosed with dementia, and how did you feel about the diagnosis?

I was diagnosed on 31 July 2014 - I was 58 years old. I may not have much of a short-term memory but that date is still clear in my head. It was a turning point in my life: I was made to feel as if it was the end, because no one told me any different. A handshake, a sad look - and told there was nothing they could do. It was a very negative experience and I went into a deep depression.

How did your children respond to your diagnosis?

I have two adorable girls, Sarah and Gemma. When I was given the diagnosis, so were my girls. It's not just about me, it's about Team Mitchell. They were the same as me: totally in the dark. It was seeing their response to me being depressed that brought me out of it and made me think that the only person who was going to make life better was me.

What were your first signs of dementia?

My memory was the first thing to let me down, badly. Then it affected my coordination. I've always been active. At no time in my life could I ever describe my life as sedentary. I loved playing all sports, running, doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in nine hours, one minute - that minute still annoys me! But then I found that when I was out running, my brain was no longer working at the same speed as my limbs. The connection was sluggish, so when I changed direction my body would go, but my legs would stay behind and I'd be flat on my face.

It's important to say that dementia never entered my head at this point. Like so many people, I thought dementia was only for old people. It wasn't until I was diagnosed and began to meet others that I realised I had new friends with dementia in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

How does walking help you cope with dementia?