Poems and Poetry | Alzheimer's Society

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.

‘What’s life like?’ Poetry and art works by people living with dementia

A group of people with dementia have created a book of poems giving insight into what everyday life is like for them. Read some of their works, which covers topics including communication, companionship and identity.

03 October 2019

Three winning entries from our 2019 poetry competition

We received 120 dementia poems across the three categories – Change, Share and Celebrate. Read the winning works here.

30 September 2019

Three entries with commendations from our 2019 poetry competition

We received 120 dementia poems across the three categories – Change, Share and Celebrate. Read three entries that received a special commendation from our judges.

30 September 2019

‘Their voices rise together’: Poetry competition 2019 winners

The winning and commended poets from our 2019 Dementia together magazine poetry competition.

30 September 2019

Tony's story: 'We were determined dementia wouldn't drown out the music'

In retirement Tony has enjoyed success as a poet and writer. Since his wife Sheila was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, his focus has turned to raising awareness of dementia. His poem, ‘Farewell Tour’, celebrates the life-enhancing power of music.

26 September 2019

'The memory thief became a regular visitor, taking pieces of my grandma.'

12 year old A'yaan won first prize in his school's public speaking competition. He wrote this emotional piece about his grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease. We have published A'yaan's piece here completely unedited.

05 September 2019

Jacqueline’s poem: Dignity in dementia

Jacqueline Harrison is the registered manager at a nursing home where many residents are living with dementia. Read her story and poem, ‘Dignity’, written as a reminder for staff to see beyond dementia when providing care.

'My grandfather's condition drastically worsened, and I was completely unprepared for it'

16 year old Anders was inspired to write a poem during a visit to his grandfather's care home. Poetry helped Anders to deal with the pain he felt as he watched his grandfather struggling to communicate.

Our festive animation – and the people with dementia who wrote it

This Christmas we worked with a group of people affected by dementia to create an animated festive poem. Here, some of the group involved share their thoughts and hopes for the animation. You can also read the poem in full.

24 December 2018

People with dementia pen poem to challenge social myths and share festive cheer this Christmas with unique animation

People with dementia have penned a special Christmas poem to tackle the issue of isolation facing those living with the condition - especially during the festive season.

Empowering people with dementia through artistic engagement

Arts 4 Dementia works to empower and inspire people with early-stage dementia. Learn how the charity aims to provide arts stimulation within the community.

12 September 2018

Hollie’s story: ‘We’ve been hit hard as a family with this diagnosis’

Since Hollie's nan was diagnosed with dementia, it's been a time of adjustment for all the family. Read her story and a poem from her grandad, Phil.