Poems and Poetry | Alzheimer's Society

'I can now look forward in hope' - A dementia carer's COVID-19 vaccine story

Tony's wife, Sheila, has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a care home. He shares his experience of receiving his first dose of the coronavirus vaccination, and a new poem called The Jab.

Facing another lockdown apart from loved ones with dementia - Tony's message of comfort

Since the start of coronavirus, Tony has mostly been kept apart from his wife, Sheila, who has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a care home. Tony is keen to share a poem, which he hopes will serve as a 'pick-me-up' when feeling down.

06 January 2021

Out of Lockdown - A dementia poem about a couple's care home reunion during coronavirus

Tony's wife, Sheila, has Alzheimer's disease and lives in residential care. They have been separated for most of the year because of the coronavirus pandemic. We are delighted to share Tony's latest poem, which is titled Out of Lockdown.

29 December 2020

Imagine: this emotive video puts viewers in the shoes of people with dementia during lockdown

Coronavirus has challenged all of us. But now imagine going through it with dementia. The reality of lockdown for many people affected by dementia has been even harder than you can imagine.

Peter's dementia poem about 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.

19 November 2020

‘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.

08 October 2020

'I’m losing my mum to Covid' - A dementia poem about care home restrictions

Jane has written a heart-breaking poem about how coronavirus has affected her and her mother, who has dementia. She shares her worries about her mum's quality of life while there are visitor restrictions in place for care homes.

Kept away from care homes during coronavirus: ‘I am losing some of the “good days” left to us.’

Tony's wife, Sheila, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017 and currently lives in a care home. Following their enforced separation because of coronavirus, Tony shares how the lockdown has affected them, and a new poem.

Life during lockdown: ‘Grandad doesn’t understand why we can't come and see him.’

Ruby’s grandad, George, was diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago. Ruby writes about her close relationship with her grandparents, how the lockdown has affected them, and about how Ruby copes with her emotions.

Q&A: Elin ap Hywel

Elin ap Hywel, a 58-year old woman in Aberystwyth with Alzheimer’s, answers our questions.

Mother's Day and dementia: 'The warmth of her smile was the summer sun'

Tony has enjoyed success as a poet and writer in retirement. Sadly, both his late mother and his wife Sheila were diagnosed with dementia. Tony's focus has turned to raising awareness of the condition. His poem, 'The Homecoming', is a tribute to his mother, Gladys.

Georgina's poem dedicated to her Grandad: 'The Red Robin'

Georgina, 21, has written a poem inspired by her Grandad Brian, who sadly died of dementia. It's about his favourite bird, a robin. Whenever she sees one now she smiles and thinks of him.

15 January 2020

Gwen's poem about dementia: 'The Silent Killer'

Gwen cared for her mum, who had Alzheimer's disease, until her final years. Following the recent death of someone else with dementia, Gwen had a dream about her mum and wrote this emotive poem when she woke up.

04 October 2019