Am I Getting Dementia?

By Petula Truly Flavius

The Question I Was Afraid to Ask

That was the question I quietly wrestled with for months.

I never said it out loud.

But I thought it.

At first, it was little things.

I was forgetting simple words.

For the longest time, I couldn't remember the word "bagel."

It sounds almost funny now, but at the time it terrified me.

I even wrote the word in the Notes app on my phone so I wouldn't forget it again. Before meetings, I started writing down people's names because I was afraid I wouldn't remember them when I needed to introduce them.

Then came the bigger question.

Was this just stress? Menopause? Brain fog? Or was something more serious happening?

Looking for Answers Instead of Living in Fear

Instead of assuming the worst, I started paying closer attention.

I researched.

I paid attention to what I was eating and how different foods affected my body and my mind.

I learned about brain fog, menopause, inflammation, sleep, and overall health.

I discovered that hormonal changes can affect memory, concentration, and word recall for many women during perimenopause and menopause. I also learned that brain fog can have many possible causes. That's why it's so important not to jump to conclusions or diagnose ourselves. When symptoms are persistent or concerning, they deserve a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Knowledge didn't remove every fear.

But it gave me a place to start.

The Morning Everything Changed

Then something happened that I'll never forget.

The morning after I started my prescribed estradiol patch, I woke up...

And the very first word that came into my mind was:

Bagel.

One word.

But to me, it represented hope.

Not because every question had been answered.

Not because my journey was over.

But because it reminded me that healing sometimes begins with the smallest signs of progress.

Faith Carried Me While I Searched for Answers

Looking back, I realize I wasn't walking through that season alone.

Even when my mind was foggy...

Even when I was afraid...

Even when I wondered if I was losing pieces of myself...

God never lost sight of me.

There were days when I couldn't trust my own thoughts.

So I learned to trust the One who never changes.

That season taught me something I'll never forget.

Sometimes faith isn't believing you'll have all the answers.

Sometimes faith is believing God is still holding you while you're searching for them.

What I Learned

Today, I still believe in asking questions.

I still believe in research.

I still believe in advocating for our health.

And I also believe that faith and wisdom can walk hand in hand.

We don't have to choose between trusting God and seeking knowledge.

We can pray, ask questions, learn, and partner with our healthcare providers as we navigate the changes that come with midlife.

That's one of the reasons I'm building resources for women 40+ navigating menopause, surgical menopause, brain fog, burnout, and midlife reinvention.

Because no woman should have to suffer in silence wondering if she's losing her mind.

You Are Still Becoming

If you're reading this wondering what's happening to your mind, your body, or your future...

I want you to know this:

You deserve to be heard.

You deserve trustworthy information.

You deserve hope.

And above all...

You are not falling apart.

You are still becoming.

I'd Love to Hear From You

Have you ever experienced brain fog or memory changes that made you wonder what was happening?

What helped you through that season?

Related Resources

📖 Weeping Her Way to Wholeness

A faith-filled journey from pain to healing.

🎵 Still Becoming

A reminder that your story isn't over.

🎵 3 A.M. Prayer

For the nights when sleep won't come and your heart needs peace