Alzheimer’s didn’t steal everything at once. It slowly began with a forgotten name, place,time. Just like a thief taking arm fulls of things but dropping things one by one on their way out. It was the salt and pepper in the coffee that sealed the diagnosis when eating out just after the memory clinic appointment then hospital admissions for not taking his meds. He’s still dad though we just have to live in his world now taking each day as a blessing. He lives in a care home now often forgets who I am and where he is. He’s the bravest person I know tenacious with a little spark of the Peter that was before this unrelenting disease took hold he’s my dad.

Mum was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s in April 2025 a bitter sweet appointment after 4 years of unknowns.

Being told mum was depressed but knowing it was more, watching a once prestige woman who was a social butterfly stop making and before and cancelling plans, forgetting birthdays, not making an effort at Christmas it was clear this wasn’t right. A new doctor and a re assessment confirmed the dementia.

The appointment when we were given that news was heartbreaking but also to then leave with just a 6 month follow up and a few numbers made it feel such a lonely journey.

The local NHS services and national charities do a fantastic job but it’s not night, there needs to be more support for the individuals and families to navigate this heartbreak. Just over a year on mum is in a residential home at 67 for people with dementia, and we are slowly losing more of her each week.

My brother Nick, who was previously a structural engineer and designer, was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago and my sister-in-law managed him with a little help during the next few years, whilst he struggled to accept that he had the disease. He had always said, having seen my uncle go through this self same thing, that it was one thing he hoped never to get!

As the disease progressed he became very difficult and angry, having violent outbursts and he wouldn't have anyone into the house to help, not even the nurses or indeed any carers, nor go to the local dementia club, which could have helped both him and his wife. Eventually we found him a good small dementia home where they care for him very well.

He now doesn't know us at all, doesn't interact or converse with us or anyone else, just walks up and down the corridors.

It is very sad and has changed him completely. What an awful thing this disease is, lets hope moving forward, something can be done to help keep at at bay, if not cure it.

I care once a week for my son’s mother-in-law who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
Monica & I enjoy Mindsong choir,, a Gloucestershire charity
We also visit National Trust & other historical houses where we have lunch.
Monica also joins in TV ‘Songs of Praise’ and musicals. She also enjoys jigsaws & walking.