A former emergency room nurse who is living with FTD speaks to the challenges of COVID-19 in an article that shares how to continue to foster a sense of connection and hope during the pandemic.

A dementia advocate who is now collaborating with researchers to improve quality of care, Lynn Jackson endured a decade of “troubling” behaviors before she was diagnosed with FTD in her early 40s. In reflecting on her 18-year journey, Jackson describes how she learned to accept her diagnosis and has since embraced many best practices for living with dementia.

“I felt very depressed, and went in and out of denial, grief, disbelief and anger,” Jackson has said about her diagnosis. “Until, finally, some form of acceptance that I have now for my disease.”

Jackson, who is also a caregiver for her mother, shares how the pandemic has impacted her daily routine. She stresses the importance of staying connected during this time of isolation, as well as the significance of maintaining a schedule. To alleviate stress and uncertainty, Jackson notes how she tries to find purpose in her day-to-day activities to foster a sense of accomplishment and hope.

“Each day, I make myself a list of things to do, whether it’s a big chore or a little chore, so I feel like I’ve accomplished something,” she says i artiklen. “Just knowing that tomorrow is going to be a better day. Or if it’s not tomorrow, it will be the next day, but it will be better.”

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