Oh the mind is still there, and given time new path ways may or may not be made to make things seem easier again. Loss of mind function I think is one of every person that has grown to a certain age has to deal with, just as body failure is something those of certain age need to deal with.

It really does suck when those things happen earlier in life, but on the bright side, when the natural loss of function starts you have an Idea of what to expect. I know that is no great comfort, but your mind will have a 10+ year head start in learning how to build new pathways.

So perhaps your mind while not as capable as one year ago, will out last that of many others.