Poems and Poetry | Alzheimer's Society

A dementia poem for my dad – ‘Travel in your chair’

Mandy has not been able to see her dad, who is living with Alzheimer's disease, as much as she'd like during the pandemic. After recently sharing a 'golden afternoon' together looking at old photos, she pays tribute to him with her poem, ‘Travel in your chair’.

Poetry competition 2021: Judge announced

Vahni Capildeo will select the winners of Dementia together magazine’s sixth poetry competition.

'My Mum, My Mate' - Diane's dementia poem tribute to her mother

Diane wrote a moving poem about the changing relationship with her mother, Valerie, who had Alzheimer's disease. When her mother passed away, Diane read her poem, 'My Mum, My Mate' at the funeral.

'My Poem to Dementia' - Caring for Mum in hospital during coronavirus

Julie's mum, Eileen, was living well with dementia in her assisted living property before the pandemic. But when Eileen contracted coronavirus, she needed to be admitted to hospital. Julie shares her story, and 'My Poem to Dementia'.

04 February 2021

'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.

08 January 2021

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

Care home reunion inspires new dementia poem, ‘Out of lockdown’

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 inspired by their care home reunion.

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.

Unable to visit my grandad during lockdown - Ruby's story

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.