Real stories | Alzheimer's Society

'The system isn’t set up to be fair' - Derek's struggle for dementia support

Derek cares for his wife Margaret who has Alzheimer's disease. Their experience of the care system has been difficult. Derek is now is calling for councils to do more to support people affected by dementia.

‘I wanted to look after Mum, but spent years wrangling with an unfair system’ - Jonathan's story

It was devastating for Jonathan to see his mother’s decline after she was diagnosed with mixed dementia. But the fight he faced for his mother’s care was even worse. After she sadly passed away, Jonathan is calling on Government to keep its promise, and rebuild the social care system.

Meera’s dementia story: ‘As long as Grandma keeps smiling, we know she is doing okay’

Meera’s grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease more than 18 years ago, and mixed dementia later in life. Here she shares how the family have banded together to care for her, with the help of agency carers.

Behind the Cure The Care System film: ‘It was an ode to my mum and dad’ - Kate’s story

Actor Kate Dickie’s connection to dementia played a big part in why she took part in Alzheimer’s Society’s hard-hitting Cure The Care System film. Kate shares an important message for other people affected by dementia.

‘Mum had dementia and received fantastic care. Why isn't it the same for everyone?’ - Julia's story

Julia’s mum, Gladys, lived with vascular dementia. She was a bubbly, social woman and her care replicated that. The support Gladys received was exceptional, and now Julia would like to help families, not as lucky as her own, to receive the same.

'Dementia snatched her away' - Aimee's fundraising story about her gran, Helen

Aimee treasures the remarkable relationship shared with her late grandmother, Helen, who had dementia. Now, Aimee is desperate to make a difference by helping to fundraise for other people affected by dementia.

‘Bonnie is my best friend. She’s a wonderful woman who deserves the best quality care’ - exhausted during coronavirus

In March 2020, David moved in with his best friend Bonnie to take on her full-time care. With over a year gone by, the support provided to him has been minimal, leaving David to question, how best to support his friend - a decision he should not have to make.

Juggling work, home-schooling, and full-time dementia care: Sara's coronavirus story

Over the past year, Sara and her family have been caring for her dad, Brian, who has frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They have lived through the flawed care system and are now calling on Government to act.

'Will they still recognise me?’ – Worries about visiting a person with dementia in a care home after lockdown

Your first reunion at the care home with a person with dementia may well be emotional. The person’s condition might have got worse during the pandemic, and they may struggle to remember you. Annamaria shares how she felt ahead of reuniting with her mother, Liliana, who lives in a care home.

'Love in every stitch' - Danielle's memory cushions made for people with dementia

Danielle helps to support her mother-in-law, Sheila, who has dementia. When the family were unable to visit Sheila's care home during coronavirus, Danielle decided to make a unique cushion with pictures of family members.

'Grandma buried her hairbrush in the garden' - Seeking dementia support at diagnosis

When Nicholas' grandmother, Ann, was diagnosed with dementia in 2009, his family sought help from Alzheimer's Society. Since then, Nicholas has helped to fundraise for the Society in his grandma's name.

The best of things: Still finding purpose when you’re living with dementia

After dementia forced him into early retirement, Pete Middleton has found fresh opportunities through Alzheimer’s Society.