Relationships and Family | Alzheimer's Society

Melanie's story: ‘Mom's hands are reaching out for family, not understanding why they don’t visit.’

Melanie's mom was diagnosed with dementia six years ago. Known affectionately as 'Nini' by her grandchildren, Melanie's family have found it very painful to watch her dementia progress. Melanie has shared a beautiful tribute in writing to Nini with us titled 'Hands'.

‘I thought my dementia was menopause.’ – Marie’s story

When primary school teacher Marie had trouble remembering words, she thought her memory loss was due to menopause. She didn’t think that at 51 she would be diagnosed with dementia. Now Marie and her family want to help raise awareness.

06 October 2020

'If I don’t get respite soon, I won’t be able to carry on caring for Bonnie' – David and Bonnie’s story

David moved in with his best friend Bonnie, who has Alzheimer’s disease, at the start of lockdown to care for her full time. He’s worried that if Government don’t provide support for unpaid carers soon he won’t be able to carry on giving her the care she needs.

05 October 2020

Book group: Another cup of tea, by Martin Dewhurst

We hear about a book from a former carer that reminds us that ‘no time spent together is wasted’.

30 September 2020

‘For me, the word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist’ – We Are Undefeatable: Tommy’s story

Tommy was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2011 when he was in his 60s. He reflects on how keeping active helped him cope with his dementia diagnosis and how he’s had to adapt to life in lockdown.

22 September 2020

Stephanie’s story: ‘I climbed into Dad’s world with him. It helped bring us closer together.’

Stephanie shares how talking – about medical care, memories and wishes for the future – brought her closer to her dad Ted after his dementia diagnosis.

18 September 2020

Mike and Angela’s story: ‘I must be with her before it’s too late’

Mike is worried his wife, Angela, who has dementia, has been declining in her care home because he’s not been allowed to care for her during coronavirus. He is calling on the care home to let him visit before it’s too late.

14 September 2020

Family carers are an integral part of the care system - Alzheimer's Society comments

Alzheimer's Society comments on John’s Campaign and states that family carers are an integral part of the care system.

Dancing icon Arlene Phillips CBE shares her moves with former dance teacher with dementia in support of Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and famous choreographer Arlene Phillips CBE spoke and danced with former dance teacher Julie, who is living with dementia, to highlight the importance of keeping active.

Loretta’s story: ‘With Alzheimer’s, you are constantly in a state of grieving’

When Loretta's mum, Dinah, was diagnosed with young-onset dementia, Loretta began to grieve for the person she was before. Dinah sadly passed away this year, which has led Loretta to reflect on her experience as a carer.

Grammy-nominated Producer Naughty Boy swaps song writing with raising awareness of dementia in homage to his mother

The Grammy nominated DJ and musician, Naughty Boy, takes part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk, after his mother was diagnosed with dementia.

Home movies and memory loss – Creating a short film from my grandfather’s old footage

Following the passing of his grandfather, David found his old film reels and created a short film, which was broadcast by the BBC. David reflects on their relationship before dementia, and how the condition affected his grandfather in his later years.

I take part in Memory Walks for Malcolm: ‘He was so proud’

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at 56 years old, Malcolm sadly passed away in 2018. His wife Jeanette remains passionate about fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society and won’t let coronavirus prevent her from organising her own Memory Walk this year.