This is the first part in an occasional series about dementia read by reporter Michele Munz.

Lonni Schicker, 63, was the one to depend on, to get things done and to figure things out. She was the person who took care of others.

At least until about four years ago, when Lonni's doctor told her that at age 59 she had mild cognitive impairment. The diagnosis placed her at higher risk of dementia.

Lonni quit her job as a professor and moved into an apartment in Fenton with her son. Her problems have since gotten worse.

Hoping to help others, Lonni is sharing her story about her frustrating search for a diagnosis and unique challenges when symptoms strike at a younger age.