Dementia Support Line
Me and my 2 daughters are walking for all the people i supported as a dementia keyworker at the hospital I used to work at and also my recent testing for early onset...
Moving to Scotland was about new adventures. I'd...
This year, I am taking on a swimming challenge in support of the Alzheimer's Society, a cause that is deeply personal to me and my family.
My nan lived with...
I am walking for my Mum Miriam who had Alzheimer's in her later years.
Im walking in memory of my beautiful mum
Mary hazard. And my sister sue Ellis .
They both were given their wings after losing their lives through this horrible...
My lovely dad passed away in August from...
I’m volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Society...
Walking in memory of my wonderful late wife Sylvia. A...
I am truly glad to have found a platform where I can...
My grandad suffered from Alzheimer’s when I was...
I'm walking for the young lady I support.
She has down Syndrome and now a diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer's.
I'll be walking for the 5th or 6th time this year with my sister-in-law, in memory of my amazing mum.
Mum was clever, funny, bright and kind and loved finding the...
Me and my 2 daughters are walking for all the people i supported as a dementia keyworker at the hospital I used to work at and also my recent testing for early onset dementia (testing still in progress).
Helen
Moving to Scotland was about new adventures. I'd never have put Running a Marathon on my wishlist until my partner Mark and I saw ordinary people crossing the finish line of the Loch Ness Marathon last September. People of all ages, shapes and sizes achieving something amazing, often in memory of loved ones and for causes now close to their hearts. That got our tears flowing. That night, moved by what we'd seen, I signed up to run the Loch Ness Marathon on 27th September 2026. I'd never run more than 5km Parkruns before, and now I'm 60!!
I lost my dad to Alzheimer's 18 years ago, my dear friend Joan to it two years ago, plus family friends in recent times. That has moved me to try to raise a few quid for the Alzheimer's Society who are working to eradicate this awful disease. I'm already participating in Alzheimer's research through Scottish Brain Sciences, and more widely in UK Biobank, as part of long term research goals, but a more immediate benefit would be achieved if I could raise some money for the Alzheimer's Society.
By the time I reach the start line, I'll have run on 134 days since mid-March, covered 1,100 km (or 683 miles, that's Inverness to the north of France!) in the hope I can complete the final 42km / 26 miles in one piece.
I lost my dad to Alzheimer's 18 years ago, my dear friend Joan to it two years ago, plus family friends in recent times. That has moved me to try to raise a few quid for the Alzheimer's Society who are working to eradicate this awful disease. I'm already participating in Alzheimer's research through Scottish Brain Sciences, and more widely in UK Biobank, as part of long term research goals, but a more immediate benefit would be achieved if I could raise some money for the Alzheimer's Society.
By the time I reach the start line, I'll have run on 134 days since mid-March, covered 1,100 km (or 683 miles, that's Inverness to the north of France!) in the hope I can complete the final 42km / 26 miles in one piece.
Robert
This year, I am taking on a swimming challenge in support of the Alzheimer's Society, a cause that is deeply personal to me and my family.
My nan lived with Alzheimer's, and watching the disease gradually take hold was one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Alzheimer's didn't just affect her memory; it slowly changed the person we knew and loved. Simple conversations became harder, cherished memories faded, and everyday tasks became overwhelming. Seeing someone who had always been such a strong, caring presence become increasingly dependent on others was heartbreaking.
The impact on our family was profound. We watched helplessly as the disease progressed, while trying to provide the love, patience and support she needed. It affected every generation of our family, bringing sadness, frustration and moments of grief long before we actually lost her.
Sadly, my nan's story is not unique. Today I see friends, colleagues and relatives facing similar challenges as they care for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The emotional and physical toll on families can be immense, and the need for support, research and awareness has never been greater.
By swimming for the Alzheimer's Society, I hope to honour my nan's memory and help raise funds that can support families going through the same journey while contributing to vital research into treatments and, one day, a cure.
My nan lived with Alzheimer's, and watching the disease gradually take hold was one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. Alzheimer's didn't just affect her memory; it slowly changed the person we knew and loved. Simple conversations became harder, cherished memories faded, and everyday tasks became overwhelming. Seeing someone who had always been such a strong, caring presence become increasingly dependent on others was heartbreaking.
The impact on our family was profound. We watched helplessly as the disease progressed, while trying to provide the love, patience and support she needed. It affected every generation of our family, bringing sadness, frustration and moments of grief long before we actually lost her.
Sadly, my nan's story is not unique. Today I see friends, colleagues and relatives facing similar challenges as they care for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The emotional and physical toll on families can be immense, and the need for support, research and awareness has never been greater.
By swimming for the Alzheimer's Society, I hope to honour my nan's memory and help raise funds that can support families going through the same journey while contributing to vital research into treatments and, one day, a cure.
Adam
I am walking for my Mum Miriam who had Alzheimer's in her later years.
Shan
Im walking in memory of my beautiful mum
Mary hazard. And my sister sue Ellis .
They both were given their wings after losing their lives through this horrible disease. 💔💔
Mary hazard. And my sister sue Ellis .
They both were given their wings after losing their lives through this horrible disease. 💔💔
Marg
My lovely dad passed away in August from Alzheimer’s disease. He was diagnosed in 2021 and whilst the disease slowly took him away from us, the essence of him as a wonderful man remained - even offering to share his flapjacks!
I am swimming 10 miles in 30 days to honour him and do something positive with my grief.
I am swimming 10 miles in 30 days to honour him and do something positive with my grief.
Jessica
I’m volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk in Manchester because dementia isn’t something I simply know about — it’s something my family lives with every single day.
My dad, Denis, has vascular dementia. He is a huge part of who I am, and watching dementia change someone you love is incredibly difficult. It has taken away pieces of the person we knew, changed the way he communicates and interacts with the world, and meant that things we once took for granted now feel incredibly precious.
My family has had to learn how to navigate a world of care, hospital appointments, decisions, advocacy and uncertainty. My dad is now living in residential care, and while we are incredibly grateful for the people who support him, there is still so much that families have to carry alongside their loved one.
Dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It affects partners, children, grandchildren and entire families. It changes relationships, creates worry and brings a constant sense of loss — even while the person you love is still here.
I wanted to volunteer at the Memory Walk because I know first-hand how important awareness, support and community are to families affected by dementia. I’ll be helping behind the scenes, supporting participants and helping make the event possible, but for me, I’ll be doing it all for Dad.
I’m proud to give my time in his name — and for every family facing dementia. ❤️
My dad, Denis, has vascular dementia. He is a huge part of who I am, and watching dementia change someone you love is incredibly difficult. It has taken away pieces of the person we knew, changed the way he communicates and interacts with the world, and meant that things we once took for granted now feel incredibly precious.
My family has had to learn how to navigate a world of care, hospital appointments, decisions, advocacy and uncertainty. My dad is now living in residential care, and while we are incredibly grateful for the people who support him, there is still so much that families have to carry alongside their loved one.
Dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It affects partners, children, grandchildren and entire families. It changes relationships, creates worry and brings a constant sense of loss — even while the person you love is still here.
I wanted to volunteer at the Memory Walk because I know first-hand how important awareness, support and community are to families affected by dementia. I’ll be helping behind the scenes, supporting participants and helping make the event possible, but for me, I’ll be doing it all for Dad.
I’m proud to give my time in his name — and for every family facing dementia. ❤️
Olivia
Walking in memory of my wonderful late wife Sylvia. A vibrant woman who lit up every room she walked into. A loving caring mother loved by everyone who was lucky enough to meet her.
Alan
I am truly glad to have found a platform where I can give back and support such an important cause. I strongly believe that, ultimately, we are all here to take care of one another. As I embark on this next chapter.
Sir Moet
My grandad suffered from Alzheimer’s when I was younger and died 13 years ago. It was a very tough time for me and my family so I wanted to do something to help other families dealing with the disease.
Michael
I'm walking for the young lady I support.
She has down Syndrome and now a diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer's.
She has down Syndrome and now a diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer's.
Paul
I'll be walking for the 5th or 6th time this year with my sister-in-law, in memory of my amazing mum.
Mum was clever, funny, bright and kind and loved finding the good and the fun in everything.
When I lost her – after about 7 years with Alzheimer’s – people told me ‘not to worry, you actually lost her years ago, when she became ill’. If that was supposed to make me feel better, it didn’t. Instead I actually felt that I’d lost her twice – the wonderful, kind, supportive Mum I’d had since birth AND the precious, confused, frightened little Mum that she’d become at the end.
Fortunately my stepfather and I were able to take care of Mum at home; she was so tiny we could help her into and out of the bath and look after her ourselves. If it had been my stepfather who’d become ill, it would have been much more difficult, as neither she nor I would have been able to lift him.
Whenever we had questions, the Alzheimer’s Society website was a great source of information and ideas to help us find our way through and hopefully all the work that Alzheimer’s Society does will be able to find a cure or something to slow down the progression of the disease, to help keep your loved ones around for just a few precious months more.
Mum was clever, funny, bright and kind and loved finding the good and the fun in everything.
When I lost her – after about 7 years with Alzheimer’s – people told me ‘not to worry, you actually lost her years ago, when she became ill’. If that was supposed to make me feel better, it didn’t. Instead I actually felt that I’d lost her twice – the wonderful, kind, supportive Mum I’d had since birth AND the precious, confused, frightened little Mum that she’d become at the end.
Fortunately my stepfather and I were able to take care of Mum at home; she was so tiny we could help her into and out of the bath and look after her ourselves. If it had been my stepfather who’d become ill, it would have been much more difficult, as neither she nor I would have been able to lift him.
Whenever we had questions, the Alzheimer’s Society website was a great source of information and ideas to help us find our way through and hopefully all the work that Alzheimer’s Society does will be able to find a cure or something to slow down the progression of the disease, to help keep your loved ones around for just a few precious months more.
Ruth
Share your story
However you’ve been affected by dementia, this is a place for you to share your story with other people who get it.