Dementia Support Line
My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022. At...
I worked as a Memory Clinic Nurse since 1997 when the...
I know first hand what a devastating illness dementia is. My Mum had Alzheimers and my Dad had Vascular dementia, both had different symptoms but were equally...
My husband became ill some years ago but all the tests indicated a healthy brain.
It took much pleading to get anything else done & a private investigation. He...
This is my wonderful papa. We had the most incredible...
I am remembering a wonderful man who brought so much happiness to anyone he met. He was such a funny guy who had so much to give and a font of knowledge.
He meant so...
I donated to Alzheimer's society in memory of my best friend who died 9 years ago from this dreadful disease.Also for a friend who has vascular dementia.
Hi my names Sue I had three people in my family suffered with dementia of different kinds my great aunt, my dad, bothe had Alzheimer’s but my uncle had frontal lobe...
I will be wearing a badge for my mum who had a stroke...
I am the home manager at Catherine House Care Home...
My Nanna passed away from Dementia in 2021. During this journey, I found the transition of becoming the person who had to make her cups of tea and help her very...
Our Story – Kirsty, Jane & Clare
In 2020, during...
My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2022. At first, the signs were small - minor memory lapses and repetitiveness - but within months her condition declined rapidly. She would often press her lifeline in the middle of the night without remembering why, and despite having four care visits a day, it became clear she was becoming increasingly confused and vulnerable.
By early 2023, the change in Mum was immense. She stopped going out because she no longer recognised where she was. She would often say she wanted to “go home,” but when asked where home was, she would give the address from her childhood. She was no longer eating properly and could not safely cook for herself. As difficult as it was, we knew a care home was the safest place for her, and in the summer of 2023 she moved in. It took time for her to settle, but eventually she became happy and comfortable there.
Over the last six months, Mum’s condition has sadly declined further. Her mobility is now almost non-existent, she spends most days sleeping in bed, and she experiences pain and hallucinations. Watching this as a daughter is heartbreaking. The mum I knew is rarely there now.
Not long after her diagnosis, I had a forget-me-not tattooed across my heart as a reminder of who my mum truly is - a fiercely independent woman who raised me as a single parent, loved travelling, adored her incredible shoe collection, and treasured family above all else. She was social, kind, deeply loved by everyone, and a devoted Catholic who attended church twice a week.
By early 2023, the change in Mum was immense. She stopped going out because she no longer recognised where she was. She would often say she wanted to “go home,” but when asked where home was, she would give the address from her childhood. She was no longer eating properly and could not safely cook for herself. As difficult as it was, we knew a care home was the safest place for her, and in the summer of 2023 she moved in. It took time for her to settle, but eventually she became happy and comfortable there.
Over the last six months, Mum’s condition has sadly declined further. Her mobility is now almost non-existent, she spends most days sleeping in bed, and she experiences pain and hallucinations. Watching this as a daughter is heartbreaking. The mum I knew is rarely there now.
Not long after her diagnosis, I had a forget-me-not tattooed across my heart as a reminder of who my mum truly is - a fiercely independent woman who raised me as a single parent, loved travelling, adored her incredible shoe collection, and treasured family above all else. She was social, kind, deeply loved by everyone, and a devoted Catholic who attended church twice a week.
Amy
I worked as a Memory Clinic Nurse since 1997 when the word “senile” and other uncomfortable terms were used. We (health care professionals) had to fight for funding for dementia services and I was the only Memory clinic Nurse in the whole county. I loved my job… the people I met, the histories they shared. I’m glad that as I finished my NHS role a few years ago, understanding and funding had grown exponentially. Now people began to understand that Alzheimer’s was not the only memory/cognitive disease that affected people of all ages…. Frontal lobe, Multi Infarction, Mixed dementia and many more types/names. The youngest person I aided to diagnose with Alzheimer’s was 31 years of age…. Yes there were more people diagnosed with dementia but I felt that was due to a better understanding of the disease and earlier detection. I take great pride in the fact that I was one of the first 8 Memory Clinic Nurses in the country back in 1997, took part in the initial Dementia drug trials and retired as a Clinical Specialist Nurse in Dementia.
This disease is cruel.. I experienced it personally with my Gran and then my mother in law and sometimes I’d of preferred to have been a member of the public as with knowledge I knew what was going to happen… but also I was there to assist, encourage, sign post and comfort.
I’ve now handed the reigns over to a much better understood and proactive profession/calling. Let’s hope the change continues not only in understanding but treatments also.
I have attached a lovely picture of my mother in law who passed away 4 years ago from the effects of Vascular Dementia.
This disease is cruel.. I experienced it personally with my Gran and then my mother in law and sometimes I’d of preferred to have been a member of the public as with knowledge I knew what was going to happen… but also I was there to assist, encourage, sign post and comfort.
I’ve now handed the reigns over to a much better understood and proactive profession/calling. Let’s hope the change continues not only in understanding but treatments also.
I have attached a lovely picture of my mother in law who passed away 4 years ago from the effects of Vascular Dementia.
Lisa
I know first hand what a devastating illness dementia is. My Mum had Alzheimers and my Dad had Vascular dementia, both had different symptoms but were equally difficult to deal with. I support Alzheimers Society to help find a cure so that no other person needs to suffer from this fatal illness.
Val
My husband became ill some years ago but all the tests indicated a healthy brain.
It took much pleading to get anything else done & a private investigation. He didn’t have Alzheimer’s but Picks Disease. & was eventually sectioned . I now donate to Alzheimer’s in the hope that some of the money will be spent on researching other forms of dementia
It took much pleading to get anything else done & a private investigation. He didn’t have Alzheimer’s but Picks Disease. & was eventually sectioned . I now donate to Alzheimer’s in the hope that some of the money will be spent on researching other forms of dementia
Thelma
This is my wonderful papa. We had the most incredible bond and it stayed that way to very end. We always enjoyed “posh” coffee” and a cake from the bakers and I would treat him daily with gummy sweeties that he loved. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him but his memory will always be alive in my house.
Tania
I am remembering a wonderful man who brought so much happiness to anyone he met. He was such a funny guy who had so much to give and a font of knowledge.
He meant so much to so many people and is sadly missed.
I am a chef that has worked in the care sector for 6 year's and I would like everyone to understand what can help people living with dementia and Alzheimer's.
He meant so much to so many people and is sadly missed.
I am a chef that has worked in the care sector for 6 year's and I would like everyone to understand what can help people living with dementia and Alzheimer's.
Kristie
I donated to Alzheimer's society in memory of my best friend who died 9 years ago from this dreadful disease.Also for a friend who has vascular dementia.
Linda Bayliss
Hi my names Sue I had three people in my family suffered with dementia of different kinds my great aunt, my dad, bothe had Alzheimer’s but my uncle had frontal lobe dementia his was the worse of the three, I worked with dementia for over 30 years loved my job I met some amazing characters from all walks of life but when it’s your family it’s difficult.
To see my uncle not knowing his children or grandchildren was hard as he was a very hands on dad, but it did help me be a better care and understand how hard it was for families of residents, there’s a saying you never know how they feel till you walk in their shoes this is so true.
I hope and pray they do find a cure one day.
To see my uncle not knowing his children or grandchildren was hard as he was a very hands on dad, but it did help me be a better care and understand how hard it was for families of residents, there’s a saying you never know how they feel till you walk in their shoes this is so true.
I hope and pray they do find a cure one day.
Sue
I will be wearing a badge for my mum who had a stroke six years ago which caused her to have vascular dementia. It’s been a very hard journey. We had to make the hard decision to put her in a care home the guilt was terrible but now we realise it was the best thing to do for her as she was at risk of harm at home where she lived alone.
Michelle
I am the home manager at Catherine House Care Home and I have recently written a piece about one of our residents.
Paul Graham has ridden a penny farthing across the Himalayas, had a private audience with the Dalai Lama, and cycled into the pedestrianised heart of Venice without a second thought. He has been a cricket club member for 61 years, helped rebuild a pilgrim hostel in Spain, and once brought home a wheelchair belonging to the King of Spain. His love story began with a secret bottle of wine and a handwritten letter sent from Australia.
He is also living with Alzheimer's.
But at Catherine House Care Home in Frome, Somerset, that is not the first thing you would know about him. Walk into his room and you see a penny farthing ornament on the wall, a collection of photographs, and a cricket book on the side table, still being read. The team took the time to learn Paul's story and helped to decorate around it. To anyone walking in, it says straight away, this is Paul's room, and this is Paul.
That is what Catherine House Care Home does for every person who comes to live there, take the time to find out who they are, and make sure that person is still present in the space around them.
We would be delighted if you could consider publishing this article.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kindest Regards,
Sherin Anup
Paul Graham has ridden a penny farthing across the Himalayas, had a private audience with the Dalai Lama, and cycled into the pedestrianised heart of Venice without a second thought. He has been a cricket club member for 61 years, helped rebuild a pilgrim hostel in Spain, and once brought home a wheelchair belonging to the King of Spain. His love story began with a secret bottle of wine and a handwritten letter sent from Australia.
He is also living with Alzheimer's.
But at Catherine House Care Home in Frome, Somerset, that is not the first thing you would know about him. Walk into his room and you see a penny farthing ornament on the wall, a collection of photographs, and a cricket book on the side table, still being read. The team took the time to learn Paul's story and helped to decorate around it. To anyone walking in, it says straight away, this is Paul's room, and this is Paul.
That is what Catherine House Care Home does for every person who comes to live there, take the time to find out who they are, and make sure that person is still present in the space around them.
We would be delighted if you could consider publishing this article.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kindest Regards,
Sherin Anup
Sherin Anup
My Nanna passed away from Dementia in 2021. During this journey, I found the transition of becoming the person who had to make her cups of tea and help her very strange. As a grandchild you are so used to arriving to a warm and cosy house to spend time with your grandparents. But it was no longer that. I worried about my Grandad, who was still living with Nanna and was unwell with his own serious ailments. It was wearing him down and he was so sad and frustrated. Nanna would get very upset about tiny things and was not easy to live with - it was a battle to keep her happy and calm. For me, though, a part of loving Nanna was changing my behaviour to help her, and thinking of creative ways to engage with her. We would repeat visit places that made her feel safe, like the local McDonald's or the little shopping centre. For her birthday, I had the florist make a sensory bouquet, with Nanna's favourite colours, scents and interesting shapes. She loved them and was so engaged, asking again and again if they were for her! I was so pleased.
After Grandad died in 2019, we tried to cope for a while with carers at home for Nanna, but eventually she needed to move into a care home. Covid hit not long after, and it was a sequence of seeing Nanna between lateral flow tests and through a screen with a speaker. I try not to be bitter about this time, as it would be our last year and a bit with Nanna, and things were extra difficult with the restrictions.
I know a lot of people say your loved one isn't themselves anymore when they have dementia, but I don't think that's true. They're still in there, you just have to love them as they are, moment by moment.
After Grandad died in 2019, we tried to cope for a while with carers at home for Nanna, but eventually she needed to move into a care home. Covid hit not long after, and it was a sequence of seeing Nanna between lateral flow tests and through a screen with a speaker. I try not to be bitter about this time, as it would be our last year and a bit with Nanna, and things were extra difficult with the restrictions.
I know a lot of people say your loved one isn't themselves anymore when they have dementia, but I don't think that's true. They're still in there, you just have to love them as they are, moment by moment.
Jenny
Our Story – Kirsty, Jane & Clare
In 2020, during COVID, our family received the devastating news that Dad had dementia. From that moment, our world changed forever. Mum cared for Dad so amazingly at home for as long as she could, but as his condition worsened, we sadly had no choice but to move him into a care home.
Watching dementia take hold was heartbreaking. For those who know this disease, it’s not just memories that disappear, it slowly takes everything. Piece by piece, you lose the person you love, long before they are gone.
In 2023, we were dealt another cruel blow when Mum was also diagnosed with dementia. To have one parent living with this disease was painful enough, but facing it with both parents felt unbearable. Mum’s decline was much quicker, and shortly before losing Dad in 2024, we also had to place Mum into a care home, where she is still cared for today.
In 2025, we had to say goodbye to the family home we had shared for over 44 years. It broke our hearts, but we hold tightly to the memories made there.
Dementia has deeply affected our family, but through every heartbreak we have stood together, daughters, sisters, best friends. We are the 'Whalley girls', Mum and Dad’s girls, always and forever.
In 2020, during COVID, our family received the devastating news that Dad had dementia. From that moment, our world changed forever. Mum cared for Dad so amazingly at home for as long as she could, but as his condition worsened, we sadly had no choice but to move him into a care home.
Watching dementia take hold was heartbreaking. For those who know this disease, it’s not just memories that disappear, it slowly takes everything. Piece by piece, you lose the person you love, long before they are gone.
In 2023, we were dealt another cruel blow when Mum was also diagnosed with dementia. To have one parent living with this disease was painful enough, but facing it with both parents felt unbearable. Mum’s decline was much quicker, and shortly before losing Dad in 2024, we also had to place Mum into a care home, where she is still cared for today.
In 2025, we had to say goodbye to the family home we had shared for over 44 years. It broke our hearts, but we hold tightly to the memories made there.
Dementia has deeply affected our family, but through every heartbreak we have stood together, daughters, sisters, best friends. We are the 'Whalley girls', Mum and Dad’s girls, always and forever.
Kirsty Roebuck
Share your story
However you’ve been affected by dementia, this is a place for you to share your Forget Me Not story with other people who get it.