Finding moments of joy, laughter & belonging

Adjusting to life with dementia

In late 2023, Jackie Murray began noticing something strange happening at work. Tasks that had always been routine to her became confusing. When she looked at her computer screen, it wasn’t just hard to see — the information stopped making sense.

For 24 years, Jackie had built her career working for the government, helping Manitobans access provincial programs and services. Her job was a big part of her life. She felt purpose in what she did and enjoyed the friendships she built with her coworkers. She also relied on her income to support herself. But very suddenly, things changed.

“Everything happened so quickly,” Jackie says. “Before those changes to my vision, I had no problems. After a few weeks of trying to work as usual and asking coworkers for help, I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

Jackie took time off work to figure out what was happening. Her daughter Delaney brought her to see a neurologist, and soon after, Jackie was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), a rare type of dementia. She was 57.

“Suddenly, I wasn’t working anymore, and there was no way I could go back. I could no longer use my phone and I had to stop driving too, which was really hard,” Jackie says.

After her diagnosis, Jackie’s neurologist referred her and her family to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba for support, information and guidance.

The importance of community & connection

For Jackie, getting out into the community and connecting with others who understand what she’s going through has become an important part of her life. She looks forward to her weekly activities, including the support group for people living with dementia she attends at the Society.

“I started attending the support group right away, and it’s amazing,” Jackie says. “Everyone at the Alzheimer Society is so empathetic. And the group is fun — we don’t just sit there and pout. We laugh together.”

Jackie’s children, Derek, Delaney and Nicole, are huge supports for her and help her navigate daily life. “My kids have been amazing,” she says. “They’re always here for me. They’d never let me face this alone.”

One of Jackie’s favourite things to do is visit with her granddaughter, Daniella.

“Daniella is such a light in my life,” Jackie says. “I’m so grateful to have all my kids and granddaughter by my side.”

When she’s not spending time with her family, you can likely find Jackie walking around her neighbourhood with her dog, Zoe, or going to the store — something she still does independently. The odd time she does run into a challenge, she’s been surprised by the kindness of strangers who have helped her find her way.

“It’s moments like those that give you hope and show that people really do care.”
While dementia has changed many parts of Jackie’s life, her sense of self remains strong. “I feel the same inside, I still feel like me,” she says.

With the support of her children, her community and the connections she’s found through the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Jackie continues to find moments of joy, laughter and belonging.

If you have questions or concerns about dementia, or want to learn more about available supports, call us at 204-943-6622 (Winnipeg), 1-800-378-6699 (Manitoba) or fill out our online form, and we’ll reach out to you.