Jim Rogers thought his brain fog was due to stress – it was dementia

Jim Rogers thought his brain fog and absent-mindedness was due to stress or a side effect of cholesterol medication. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 55.

Being diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease at only 55 has completely changed my life forever.

What started out with GP visits for concerning memory changes and confusion resulted in a diagnosis of younger onset Alzheimer’s disease bringing with it uncertainty, anxiety and stigma.

While working as a property coach and developer I noticed brain fog and absent-mindedness over a long period of time.

I attributed this to side effects from medication for cholesterol, or stress.

Whenever I visited my GP, I’d mention the symptoms I was experiencing but he’d reassure me I was fine.

I’d leave feeling I was imagining it or was just overreacting.

Much later, while visiting my cardiologist I struggled to work out how to put my phone on silent.

She watched as I became overwhelmed and confused, fumbling for what felt like several minutes to carry out such a simple task.

Jim Rogers with his daughters Millie and Daisy.

But this was the type of thing I was secretly experiencing; I had no idea why I was forgetting the simplest things at times.

I’m eternally grateful she noticed the symptoms I was experiencing because it led to an early diagnosis.

After extensive cognitive testing, followed by brain and PET scans, I was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2022.

Gaining an early diagnosis is often difficult and challenging for most as symptoms go unnoticed until much later.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that cause progressive cognitive decline, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common type.

It results in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour, where a person’s abilities deteriorate over time.

The disease will also usually affect language, attention, mood, judgment and other aspects of behaviour over time.

Dementia is often diagnosed when progressive cognitive decline has occurred and had a noticeable impact upon a person’s ability to carry out important everyday activities.

It is a clinical diagnosis, supported by neuropsychological testing, a history from the patient and impairment in memory and other cognitive functions.

Neuro-imaging is used to support these findings, and also to exclude other possible causes of cognitive impairment.

Other tests are often carried out to rule out other causes of cognitive changes such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies or infection which weren’t evident in my case.

Sadly, if this isn’t picked up early on, people can miss the opportunity to start potential medication options and psychosocial interventions early which may help to slow down the progression of this disease.

The diagnosis itself is a devastating one, there is no cure – Alzheimer’s disease is terminal. However, some symptoms of the disease can be managed.

After diagnosis, you uncover endless medical articles and statistics which lead you down a road far from pleasant.

It’s a road to grief … grief for the loss of the future you had imagined.

Coming to terms with the diagnosis took several months, it’s hard to pull yourself out of the black hole into which you fall. My neurologist referred me to Dementia Australia who arranged for me to join their ‘Living with Dementia’ program.

They offer this to people who are newly diagnosed to learn about dementia following diagnosis.

It covers coping with change, relationships, future planning and how to live well.

Dementia Australia became a great source of comfort to me.

Later when asked to become an advocate to raise awareness, I jumped at the opportunity. After doing a few interviews and articles, they asked me to co-host a new podcast they were developing to bring insight and as someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, my personal point of view.

Jim Rogers with Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald.

My co-host is journalist and Dementia Australia Ambassador Hamish Macdonald, whose father had dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s.

So just like that, the podcast ‘Hold the Moment’ was born. Produced by Deadset Studios, it’s full of real stories about life after diagnosis.

You hear about moments of grief, confusion and anger, but also encounter laughter and hope navigating this very challenging chapter.

You hear from people living with dementia, how they tell others about their diagnosis, getting their affairs in order, along with tips and strategies on exercise, getting around, sleep and the lack of it!

We also chat to experts for advice on getting your legal affairs in order, appointing a power of attorney and an enduring guardianship for medical decisions.

On a personal level creating this powerful, informative podcast has been both cathartic and rewarding.

It brings an awareness around dementia which is groundbreaking. People diagnosed with this brutal disease generally feel lonely, often knowing no one with the condition.

To be able to listen to the voices of people who have already walked in their shoes is a great source of comfort.

In 2025, there are an estimated 29,000 people living with younger onset dementia, expected to increase to an estimated 41,000 people by 2054.

Younger onset dementia refers to diagnosis of any form of dementia in a person under age 65. This can include people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

People with younger onset accounted for 7 per cent of the total estimated number of people living with dementia in Australia (the total number is estimated 433,300).

Currently more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, this is growing fast.

We need awareness, we need donations but mostly … we need a cure.

If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.

Originally published as Jim Rogers thought his brain fog was due to stress – it was dementia