To manage cognitive issues, my wife works to keep her brain busy

For as long as I’ve known my wife, Jill, who’s gene-positive for Huntington’s disease, she’s had an uncanny ability to fix any problem thrown her way. It’s like watching a supercomputer in action, processing complex equations in milliseconds. I’ve come to realize that the way Huntington’s diminishes her cognitive abilities is just like any other problem she wants to solve.

Needless to say, I hope that she can.

Years ago, when Jill worked at a small private school in Illinois, her colleagues and the students’ family members would often stream into her office with complaints and issues that seemed insurmountable. But Jill would have multiple solutions ready in minutes, leaving everyone in awe of her problem-solving prowess. It truly was a superpower.

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Subtly slowing down

Lately, though, I’ve noticed a change. That lightning-fast processor seems to be slowing down. It’s subtle, but as someone who loves Jill deeply, I can see it. When I recently broached the subject with her, gently explaining what I was observing, her response was typical; she immediately set out to find solutions.

She’s always maintained that the brain is like a muscle — the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. So true to form, she’s thrown herself into researching and implementing various methods to combat her cognitive issues, a common Huntington’s symptom.

Watching Jill tackle this challenge with the same determination she’s applied to every problem in her life is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Her belief in her ability to find a solution, even when the problem is her own health, is yet another reason I love her.

To aid Jill in her quest to overcome the symptoms she’s experiencing and postpone any new ones that might pop up, I helped find and order games that involve puzzles and critical-thinking tasks, as well as some that simply make us laugh the whole time we play.

I also offered to help Jill sign up for various activities, including ballroom dance classes. For the record, I have two left feet and no sense of rhythm. But taking the class together is proof positive that I love Jill unconditionally — or, after I spend each class stepping on her feet, proof that she loves me.

The bottom line is that research does show that engaging in activities that keep the brain busy, such as doing puzzles or learning new skills, is helpful in slowing cognitive decline.

An added bonus has been seeing the joy on Jill’s face as she works on her latest brainteaser. It reminds me of the incredible woman I married: the problem-solver extraordinaire who refuses to back down from any challenge, even one as daunting as this. Jill’s determination inspires me and reminds us that we’ll face whatever comes next together — one problem, and one solution, at a time.

Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.