Typical Day
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is much more than a condition in which people have more memory or thinking problems than normal for their age. For some, MCI may mean lifestyle or hobby changes, while for others it may mean a heavier reliance on current routines. Either way, MCI is a personal experience that is much larger than the original diagnosis from a doctor. People can learn a lot from others just by asking the question “what’s a typical day?”
“Typical Day,” founded by Tigist Hailu, MPH, is a photography project that allows older adults living with MCI to document and communicate their lives after their diagnosis. Through photography and stories, Hailu hoped her work would add more humanity into how people think about dementia. Often challenging to portray through words, the people featured in this project show readers their world through photography of people, places, and objects that define their daily lives. These photos serve as a tool to facilitate conversations with researchers and community members as a way to raise awareness of cognitive impairment.