Meet the Dementia Warrior’s founder
Jerry Wylie was diagnosed with Louie Body and Vascular Dementia in spring 2015 at age 62. At that time, there was no referral to support and no information on the diesease. He fell into a steep cognitive decline and a deep depression that lasted two years. He had lost the ability to form words or speak and according to Jerry, his “cognitive skills were in the toilet.” It took a toll on his entire family. Jerry had lost all hope and purpose, which he says is a dangerous combination.
He found Peer to Peer support online through Dementia Alliance International (DAI) and experienced improvement almost instantly. Within a year, he was well enough to be a keynote speaker at the 33rd international conference on dementia in Chicago. His whole family’s life improved substantially because of peer-to-peer support.
DAI taught him how to host online dementia support groups, and with that experience he decided to start a local support group. He was now armed with new hope and renewed purpose.
The Dementia Warriors started in June 2017 with the support of Peace Lutheran Church and eight members, including one of our founder’s favorite Philomath High School teachers. Today, the group supports more than 50 members and is growing. Jerry says, “We have only touched the tip of the iceberg.”
