Real stories ‘Grandad wasn’t himself’ - Spotting changes in behaviour before a dementia diagnosis Ruby and her family started to see changes in her Grandad, George’s behaviour before he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. Ruby tells her story of what these changes meant and how the family dealt with them. Ruby and her family started to see changes in her Grandad, George’s behaviour before he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. Ruby tells her story of what these changes meant and how the family dealt with them. ... 31 December 2020
Real stories 'Mum was not Mum' - spotting the first signs of Alzheimer's disease When Jacqueline's mum stopped doing the things she enjoyed, she took her to the GP. She tells her story of Audrey's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and the changes in her behaviour. When Jacqueline's mum stopped doing the things she enjoyed, she took her to the GP. She tells her story of Audrey's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease and the changes in her behaviour. ... 08 December 2020
Advice Dementia activity ideas: 5 ways our handbook for carers can help If you’re caring for a person with dementia, our handbook is for you. Read how it can help you find activities suited to the person’s interests and abilities. If you’re caring for a person with dementia, our handbook is for you. Read how it can help you find activities suited to the person’s interests and abilities. ... 27 November 2020
Real stories Peter's dementia poem for his wife, Joyce - 'A Changing Life' Peter has been looking after his wife, Joyce, for over 12 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 58. Peter finds comfort in writing poetry, and hopes others will benefit from reading his poem about dementia. Peter has been looking after his wife, Joyce, for over 12 years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 58. Peter finds comfort in writing poetry, and hopes others will benefit from reading his poem about dementia. ... 19 November 2020
Advice 'I decided Christine was coming home with me' - Moving out of a care home during coronavirus As a loved one of a person in residential care, you may be considering whether it is better for them to live in the care home or at home. Ronald shares his experience about bringing his wife, Christine, back home during the coronavirus pandemic. As a loved one of a person in residential care, you may be considering whether it is better for them to live in the care home or at home. Ronald shares his experience about bringing his wife, Christine, back home during the coronavirus pandemic. ... 13 November 2020
Real stories Raising awareness of dementia in Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities Thelma Gray was diagnosed with dementia in the early 90s and found a total lack of support. Her eldest daughter, Barbara, explains how her family’s story is motivating her to raise awareness among Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities. Thelma Gray was diagnosed with dementia in the early 90s and found a total lack of support. Her eldest daughter, Barbara, explains how her family’s story is motivating her to raise awareness among Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities. ... 29 October 2020
Research ‘I’m just doing my bit to help’ - Rapid testing for coronavirus using saliva Since the pandemic started, it has been important to test as many people as possible for coronavirus. This helps to understand its spread. Fundraiser Sarah talks about a pilot she’s involved in that uses a rapid coronavirus test and has big ambitions. Since the pandemic started, it has been important to test as many people as possible for coronavirus. This helps to understand its spread. Fundraiser Sarah talks about a pilot she’s involved in that uses a rapid coronavirus test and has big ambitions. ... 28 October 2020
Real stories A lack of Government support for dementia in coronavirus: David and Catriona's story David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. ... 27 October 2020
Real stories 'People with dementia have been the last to be considered in this pandemic' - Janet's story Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. ... 20 October 2020
Real stories My identity as a Black woman with vascular dementia is fundamental Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. ... 15 October 2020
Real stories Fighting for culturally appropriate care in the pandemic Jag has been caring for her mum for eight years, fighting for culturally appropriate care. The pandemic has made their struggles even worse, denying her mum essential care and having a huge detrimental effect on Jag’s own wellbeing. Jag has been caring for her mum for eight years, fighting for culturally appropriate care. The pandemic has made their struggles even worse, denying her mum essential care and having a huge detrimental effect on Jag’s own wellbeing. ... 12 October 2020
Real stories ‘Making a new language’: How music and culture can widen the conversation on dementia Ronald Amanze has often felt culturally misunderstood when receiving dementia support. Inspired by Black history and the reggae music that shaped his early years, Ronald explains how culture can be a special tool to get people talking about dementia. Ronald Amanze has often felt culturally misunderstood when receiving dementia support. Inspired by Black history and the reggae music that shaped his early years, Ronald explains how culture can be a special tool to get people talking about dementia. ... 08 October 2020
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