Real stories
Q&A: France Savarimuthu
France Savarimuthu, a 69-year old man in Newport who has dementia with Parkinsonism, answers our questions.
Read this story in Welsh
What would you take to your desert island?
I would take the Bible to read but mostly I would take music. Reggae, soul, Indian music, bhangra, French music – I would take a little of everything.
‘I love music and I’ll never stop listening to new things,’ says France.
I used to write songs and play the harmonium, I did weddings. My mum would wait up until 5am until I came home, to check I was alright. I love music and I’ll never stop listening to new things.
How has Alzheimer’s Society helped you?
My friend Barry takes me out every Friday afternoon as part of Side by Side. I plan where I want to go and he takes me there. He’s very kind and supportive, he’s just a real friend. In a way he has helped me to be the way I was before.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
To when I was helping people as a nurse and at the same time training new nurses. I specialised in infectious disease, learning disabilities and general nursing. There’s something special about being part of generations of nurses and medical professionals, helping people every day through some of their darkest times.
‘I have a wonderful wife and a lovely son – they get me through everything,’ says France.
What is your most treasured possession?
What I’ve been through and the road I’ve taken. If I was still in Mauritius, I’d be heavily involved in politics because I don’t like injustice. I’ve worked in the NHS, oil rigs, steelworks and an airport. I have a wonderful wife and a lovely son – they get me through everything.
Answer our questions
If you have dementia and would like to answer our questions for a future article, email us to let us know.
LEANDER RAYMOND PIMENTA
saysMartin Corrick
saysFrance Savarimuthu is a really inspiring guy! I have had Alzheimer's Disease for 4 years, and find it very difficult to be positive, but brave people like France cheer me up a lot! Best wishes to him and his family.
Martin Corrick
Edward Thomas
saysLlandeilo & District Dementia Friendly organised a Big Sing Along on Saturday and we had a collection for the society . I have a chq which i would like to pay to you . also would like some Society collecting boxes to distribute around the area
Hi Edward,
Thanks so much for collecting for us - we hope your Big Sing Along was a big success!
Details of how to make a donation via cheque can be found on our website here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/make-donation/donate-by-post
To order a collection box, the best thing to do would be to get involved with your local community fundraiser. You can find the details listed for South Wales here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/local…
Hope this is helpful, and thanks again for collecting for us :-)
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Alzheimer's Society blog team
Christine Stevens
saysMy partner has Parkinson’s dementia.
He is on medication for Parkinsons but nothing for the dementia side of things.
Are you on two lots of medication for the two. Help from Doctors in his case is very poor.