When Wally Klatch received a diagnosis of early-stage dementia while living outside Jerusalem, his life shifted in ways both expected and profoundly surprising. In a recent conversation with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Wally reflected on a journey that has moved from fear and darkness to meaning, creativity, and even joy. 

Wally, a seasoned management consultant, spent much of his career helping organizations connect the dots and streamline operations. He lived in Israel for three decades, raising four children and embracing the vibrant rhythms of life abroad. But about three years ago, symptoms he chalked up to normal aging began to interfere with memory in undeniable ways. The defining moment came after a visit to Israel’s famed Roman amphitheater in Caesarea—an outing he excitedly recounted to his son, only to learn they had already been there together two weeks prior. Realizing something was amiss, Wally sought medical help, received a neurological assessment, and was ultimately diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, the early stage of dementia. 

The emotional aftermath was immediate and intense. “There were only two words in my life—dementia and dying,” Wally shared. The diagnosis led to a period he describes as “black”—a time when fear, grief, and uncertainty clouded every thought. “It was a very dark period, where I had to first figure it out for myself before reaching out.” Gradually, however, a turning point arrived. With the support of his faith, trusted individuals, and community groups, Wally came to see that even as he was “dying, I’m also living.” That realization marked the beginning of a new chapter. 

“Guidance became really important—from a lot of people and from religion,” Wally explained. He joined support groups and, importantly, allowed himself the time and space to absorb his situation on his own terms. He found that, while others could help, only he could truly reconcile his new reality. 

As he adjusted, Wally noticed gradual changes, including difficulties with movement in his hand—a symptom that would eventually lead to various diagnoses, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, depending on the neurologist. “Apparently there are ways to interpret things,” he mused. Yet he learned to become his own best observer, noting what changed and sharing those discoveries with his care team. 

Crucially, Wally’s story is not just about managing decline but about reframing experience. He launched a website, TheAlzheimersConversation.com, to share personal video journals and reflections. In doing so, he coined his own term: From “MCI” (mild cognitive impairment) to “MEE”—mild emotional enhancement. “My brain is working less, but my feelings are working more,” he said, describing a newfound balance of cognition and emotion, and a rich sense of presence. 

Through writing, community, and faith, Wally now sees life and death not as rigid opposites, but as dance partners—sometimes letting living lead, other times letting dying take the floor. His journey, marked by authentic vulnerability and creative growth, offers powerful reassurance: “You can live a purposeful and productive life with a dementia diagnosis.” And for anyone facing similar news, his advice is compassionate and simple—allow yourself to feel, to seek guidance, and to remember that, even now, you’re still very much alive. 

Resources mentioned in this discussion include: 

• TheAlzheimersConversation.com
•  Feelingfulness.com 
• FinalExitNetwork.org