Q&A: Annie Chinfen

What’s changed most since your diagnosis? 

I was diagnosed with dementia in 2017 at the age of 87. I just couldn’t believe it when I received the news.

After being diagnosed I tried to learn more about dementia, how best to look after myself and what help I could receive. 

In December 2018, my husband passed away after nearly 51 years of being married. As I was living on my own, it was even more important for me to make new friends and join useful organisations.

What would you take to your desert island? 

I would take my photograph albums of all my family to look at. I have quite a lot of them so that would keep me occupied for a while! 

How has Alzheimer’s Society helped you? 

The Society has really made a big difference to me in so many ways, especially during the COVID pandemic. My daughter managed to set me up on the computer so that I could join Zoom meetings. 

I have enjoyed the Singing for the Brain sessions the most, as I love music and I can remember all the old songs I used to sing.

I can sing louder and louder and it makes me feel so happy. I have also made many new friends who are in a similar position to me and we have all been able to support each other.

What song or tune sums up your life so far? 

‘We’ll meet again’ definitely sums up my life over the last few months. It gives me hope that one day I can meet up with my friends and relatives all over the world. Hope is very important to me. 

What single thing would improve your quality of life? 

What is more important than love? I hope that I can delay my dementia so I can still love others as long as possible. 

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

I would revisit the time when I was a nursing sister and tutor in Hong Kong, where I was caring for others. It was also a very happy time as my parents were alive. I was part of a very big family and we were all together.