Real stories | Alzheimer's Society

Dementia care: The crisis behind closed doors

Today (9 July 2019) we are holding a parliamentary photo exhibition, highlighting the human cost of the social care crisis. Here you can see some of the images and hear from the people affected by dementia who were photographed.

Joy’s story: ‘The restaurant has given a voice to those of us affected by dementia’

Diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease aged 55, we hear from Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Dr Joy Watson as she takes on a new challenge; working front of house at The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes.

Sean’s story: ‘If I can do this, I can work! So I started applying for jobs’

Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013 and then dementia last year, working at The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes has given Sean Blackmore renewed confidence and self-esteem. Hear how his experience on the show encouraged him to find work at a local bistro.

Sue’s story: ‘There are so many myths around dementia that need busting and I see it as my mission!’

Sue Strachan’s myth-busting mission began when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014. She wants The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes to give hope to others facing a dementia diagnosis.

Jacqueline’s poem: Dignity in dementia

Jacqueline Harrison is the registered manager at a nursing home where many residents are living with dementia. Read her story and poem, ‘Dignity’, written as a reminder for staff to see beyond dementia when providing care.

Panorama: Crisis in Care - ‘Anybody watching the programme has to be shocked, angry and depressed’

Val’s partner Ivana has Alzheimer’s disease and currently lives in a care home. Here Val shares her reaction to the BBC’s Panorama: Crisis in Care programme and her experience of the failing care system in the UK.

Bang the drum: Making a difference

After initial denial and dread about her dementia diagnosis, Sue Strachan’s awareness raising now includes appearing in a TV series and being an ambassador for Dementia Revolution.

Change is possible: A former carer making a difference with his story

Conscious of stigma and myths about dementia in many communities, Dewan Choudhury wants his story to help create change.

Experience to influence: Alzheimer’s Society turns 40

In our 40th year, we look at how people affected by dementia are influencing how we develop Dementia Connect, our new service.

Match point: Side by Side volunteering

A Side by Side volunteer in Wales is helping a person with dementia roll back the years with regular badminton games.

Happier frame of mind: Better support for LGBT+ people affected by dementia

A Dementia Friends Champion is enabling volunteers to provide better support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people with dementia.

Whole picture: A hospice offering all-round support

A hospice in Belfast is addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people affected by dementia.