Telling tales: Sharing real-life experiences of dementia makes a real difference

Everybody has a story to tell, and it’s my role at Alzheimer’s Society to support people who want to share their personal experiences of dementia.

We can, and we will, talk about dementia facts and statistics until we are blue in the face. However, it's real-life experiences that really strike a chord with many people and motivate them to take action.

‘The best bit of my job is meeting some amazing people with dementia.’

Sharing powerful personal stories in the media, online and elsewhere, raises awareness, challenges stigma and highlights the support that we offer.

Amazing people

The best bit of my job is meeting some amazing people with dementia who decide to make a difference for others by speaking out.

This can bust myths while also encouraging people to donate and to get involved in the cause.

This can be emotional, but we have lots of laughs too. It’s wonderful to see people speaking from the heart on a breakfast TV sofa or in a newspaper interview, defying the stereotypes and, best of all, enjoying themselves.

My many conversations with carers and family members can be harder. Understandably, there’s a lot of anger and frustration as people struggle to find and fund suitable care for their loved ones.

However, sharing these heart-breaking experiences adds weight and power to our ongoing campaigns.

The more stories we tell, the bigger the difference we can make for everyone affected by dementia.