Real stories

Q&A: Liz Brown, who lives with vascular dementia

What’s changed most since your diagnosis?  

Since my diagnosis my life has changed in many ways. Lots of things that I used to do without thinking are now, on the whole, much more difficult.

It is hard to accept that my future is now so unknown.

What would you take to your desert island? 

I love music – all sorts of music – and poetry, which I love to read and write. I hope I’d have the opportunity to relax and enjoy my favourite things.

To do this, I’d want to take books, paper and pens, but also a radio. It would be impossible to choose between them!

How has Alzheimer’s Society helped you?

Over the last years, it’s been part of the rock that I’ve relied on. I’ve needed help with all kinds of things. I’m blessed with two volunteers – Tracy and Liane.

I miss Tracy taking me out every week, though she phones instead, and Liane has called me every week since the pandemic started.

The Society gives me the help that no one else can, and it has done right from the start.

What song or tune sums up your life so far?

Hero by Mariah Carey. From listening to that, I feel that somewhere inside I have got the strength to carry on.

The song points out that the hero lies in you – it’s good to listen to when things feel hopeless, it’s a very strong song.

What single thing improves your quality of life?

That’s easy – my daughter, who cares and supports me through the good times and, especially, the bad.

We do things together, she makes me laugh and she is my rock. I am very lucky!

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

I’d choose a part of my life – my teenage years. All the starts and new beginnings, solid friendships, time to relax and look forward to the future. Starting out – that for me was a good time.

What is your most treasured possession?

My motorised wheelchair, which helps me maintain some independence and a chance to be part of life.

I call her Bertha, my best friend, and I’ve had her nine years now.

Even with my limitations, she gives me the ability to pop to the shop, go to the park to watch the ducks – gives me a little bit of freedom.