Real stories | Alzheimer's Society

‘It has been very lonely for me’ – A carer’s experience of coronavirus lockdown

For Susanne and her husband David, who lives with mixed dementia, coronavirus has brought a stop to their busy routine. This has been hard on them both, and Susanne says the Government must not ignore people affected by dementia if lockdown measures return.

Me, my mum and frontotemporal dementia

When Jess’s mum, Janice, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Jess struggled to find more information about the disease. Having found support through Alzheimer's Society and others, she hopes her blog about FTD can help people in her position.

Anne’s story: ‘Dementia has taken its toll, but I’m grateful for our final month together’

As coronavirus spread across the UK in February, Anne Davies was given the option to stay with her husband Allen in the care home where he lived. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to visit him otherwise, Anne moved in to be with Allen in what turned out to be his final weeks.

Linda’s story: How coronavirus has strengthened my interest in dementia research

Linda Steel, who cared for her mother with dementia for many years, shares why the pandemic has heightened her interest in dementia research and how being a Research Network volunteer has given her hope for the future.

Kept away from care homes during coronavirus: ‘I am losing some of the “good days” left to us.’

Tony's wife, Sheila, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017 and currently lives in a care home. Following their enforced separation because of coronavirus, Tony shares how the lockdown has affected them, and a new poem.

Life during lockdown: ‘Grandad doesn’t understand why we can't come and see him.’

Ruby’s grandad, George, was diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago. Ruby writes about her close relationship with her grandparents, how the lockdown has affected them, and about how Ruby copes with her emotions.

Lacking home care support in coronavirus lockdown: 'We were left to get on with it'

Lockdown measures in the UK have affected many people's lives. But some people needed to adapt their lives more than others. Pearl is 86 and living with dementia. Her daughter, Enomwoyi, shares how the pandemic has greatly impacted their family.

Caring from a distance during coronavirus: ‘Mum’s carer is a blessing’

Janet had been caring for her mum, Doris who has dementia, from a distance. As coronavirus hit and Doris’s dementia symptoms advanced, it became apparent that she needed more specialised care. When help arrived, it was a real blessing.

Separation from care homes: 'Lockdown instantly disconnected us'

For 12 weeks, Trevor has been unable to visit his wife, Yvonne, who lives in a care home. Trevor wants assurance from Government that they will consider the needs of people living with dementia, like Yvonne, as they begin to ease lockdown restrictions.

Life during lockdown: ‘Shopping for food has been critically difficult’

Mike and Tom have been shielding from coronavirus since March but have struggled to access food. As restrictions begin to ease, Mike worries about what Government support will remain so they can access food and other essential items.

Coronavirus restrictions in care homes: ‘Bit by bit, Mum is forgetting who I am’

Kathy has been separated from her mum, who has dementia, for eight weeks. Like many other families, Kathy is angry about Government’s lack of planning for care homes and believes people with dementia are being ignored.

You’re not alone: Keeping in touch and having a say, despite dementia and coronavirus

Diagnosed with dementia while still in her 40s, Amanda Quinn wants others to know they have a voice.