Q and A: Syed Abdul Kadir

What’s changed most since your diagnosis?

I used to have good attention to things. My thinking capacity is not up to standard, as it’s disturbed due to dementia.

How has Alzheimer’s Society helped you? 

I attend the Bangladeshi dementia café at the London Muslim Centre. It is a place where I’ve met new people, made friends and it gives me opportunity to socialise. I am able to share my life experience with staff and other attendees.

What song or tune sums up your life so far?

I listen to recitations of the Quran, which makes me feel calm and happy.

If you could go back in time, where would you go? 

I would go back to my childhood, when I was 10–12 years of age. I used to love to read poetry, and I have taught these poems to my children. I would also go back to the years that I spent with my wife. We got married in 1965 and I sadly lost her in 2002. I had many great memories with her.

What is your most treasured possession? 

My life history folder, which contains many special memories. It has pictures of my time in the navy and meeting Prince Charles, and my letters to the Queen alongside the replies. I love to share this folder with new people and it is very important to me.

Next steps

• If you have dementia and would like to answer our questions for a future column, please email us.
• Find out more about different types of dementia.