A Journey of Strength, Hope, and Resilience: Emily Ong’s Story
We at Hovi Care are thrilled to bring you an exclusive 6-part series featuring the inspiring journey of Emily Ong—a wife, mother, and relentless advocate redefining what it means to live with young-onset Alzheimer’s. Emily uses her firsthand experience to drive change as a Dementia Expert by Experience, passionately addressing issues like rehabilitation, disability rights, environmental influences on dementia, and the challenges faced by women and care partners.
Diagnosed in her 50s, Emily shares her raw and real experience navigating the challenges of this condition, from the emotional rollercoaster of the diagnosis to the powerful lessons in resilience, independence, and the importance of family support. Her voice resonates in conversations about employment and dignity for those navigating cognitive impairments, empowering others to embrace hope and action. Through her advocacy, Emily is turning personal challenges into a powerful force for global awareness and positive change.
In this series, Emily opens her heart to show the world what it truly means to live with Alzheimer’s at a young age, offering hope, practical advice, and a new perspective on caregiving, long-term planning, and emotional well-being.
Don’t miss out on Emily’s incredible story – stay tuned for each part of the series!
My Journey with Young Onset Dementia
My name is Emily Ong, and beginning to show symptoms of cognitive impairment in my early 40s was a journey I never anticipated. It began with small, confusing moments that I brushed off as stress or signs of menopause. Looking back, those early signs were subtle yet telling.
The Early Signs: A Growing Concern
It started with little things—mixing up names with similar initials and feeling confused during simple routines. I vividly remember walking into the wrong bank, confidently presenting a deposit slip from another institution, only to be baffled when the staff pointed out the error.
“I couldn’t see what they were seeing,” I recall. It was frustrating, even alarming, but I chalked it up to being overwhelmed. Over time, though, these episodes became harder to ignore. Tasks that once felt effortless, like organizing a reunion for fewer than 50 people, became overwhelming. As a person who had took a diploma in accountancy with years of experience managing complex financial portfolios, this was deeply unsettling.
Seeking Help: A Long Road to Answers
Eventually, I sought help from my general practitioner, who attributed my symptoms to stress or menopause and prescribed medication. But the symptoms didn’t go away—they worsened.
The turning point came in 2017, when I couldn’t remember how to make French toast, a dish I had made countless times for my family. It was a coincidence that my daughter, then a first-year medical student, had just learned in class that sudden difficulty with familiar tasks could indicate dementia. Encouraged by her insight, I pushed for further medical evaluation.
The Diagnostic Process: A Winding Path
A neuropsychological test revealed that my cognitive performance was below average for my age. This led to an initial diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and I started medication immediately. Yet, after six months with no improvement, my doctor decided to dig deeper.
Further testing, including a lumbar puncture, revealed that the initial diagnosis was incorrect. Instead, I was provisionally diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Over the next few years, my doctors monitored me closely for behavioural changes to refine the diagnosis further.
Reflections on the Journey
The road to an accurate diagnosis was long, frustrating, and emotional. But it brought clarity and a sense of purpose. “Looking back, the signs were there, but it’s hard to connect the dots when you’re living through it,” I say. I’ve learned the importance of seeking help and advocating for yourself when something feels off.
Raising Awareness for Young Onset Dementia
Young onset dementia is rare, and many people—like me—don’t recognize the early signs. It’s often mistaken for stress, burnout, or the natural effects of aging. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the importance of awareness and persistence in getting an accurate diagnosis.
This journey has also taught me that while the diagnosis is life-changing, it doesn’t define who I am. It’s a call to action—for families, healthcare providers, and society to support those living with dementia, no matter their age.
If my story inspires even one person to trust their instincts and seek answers, then sharing it has been worth it. We need to talk about dementia, even when it affects those of us who are younger than society expects.
Don’t miss out on Emily’s incredible story – stay tuned for each part of the series!
For more articles on Dementia, Active Ageing and Help for Caregivers, please check our articles at Hovicare.com.
