Real stories My identity as a Black woman with vascular dementia is fundamental Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. Vesna Okaikoi had a difficult childhood, not knowing who her parents were and growing up in foster care alongside her twin sister, Loraine. Now 65 years old and living with vascular dementia, Vesna reflects on the power of identity and how learning about her heritage has been a source of strength through challenging times. ... 15 October 2020
Real stories Fighting for culturally appropriate care in the pandemic Jag has been caring for her mum for eight years, fighting for culturally appropriate care. The pandemic has made their struggles even worse, denying her mum essential care and having a huge detrimental effect on Jag’s own wellbeing. Jag has been caring for her mum for eight years, fighting for culturally appropriate care. The pandemic has made their struggles even worse, denying her mum essential care and having a huge detrimental effect on Jag’s own wellbeing. ... 12 October 2020
Real stories ‘Making a new language’: How music and culture can widen the conversation on dementia Ronald Amanze has often felt culturally misunderstood when receiving dementia support. Inspired by Black history and the reggae music that shaped his early years, Ronald explains how culture can be a special tool to get people talking about dementia. Ronald Amanze has often felt culturally misunderstood when receiving dementia support. Inspired by Black history and the reggae music that shaped his early years, Ronald explains how culture can be a special tool to get people talking about dementia. ... 08 October 2020
Real stories 'Hands': Melanie's tribute story to her mom Melanie's mom was diagnosed with dementia six years ago. Known affectionately as 'Nini' by her grandchildren, Melanie's family have found it very painful to watch her dementia progress. Melanie has shared a beautiful tribute in writing to Nini with us titled 'Hands'. Melanie's mom was diagnosed with dementia six years ago. Known affectionately as 'Nini' by her grandchildren, Melanie's family have found it very painful to watch her dementia progress. Melanie has shared a beautiful tribute in writing to Nini with us titled 'Hands'. ... 07 October 2020
Real stories Mistaking dementia for menopause: Marie’s story When primary school teacher Marie had trouble remembering words, she thought her memory loss was due to menopause. She didn’t think that at 51 she would be diagnosed with dementia. Now Marie and her family want to help raise awareness. When primary school teacher Marie had trouble remembering words, she thought her memory loss was due to menopause. She didn’t think that at 51 she would be diagnosed with dementia. Now Marie and her family want to help raise awareness. ... 06 October 2020
Real stories Still worthy: ‘I’m not going to let dementia define me’ The pandemic has been difficult and isolating for Vesna, but she remains determined to find happiness in who she is. The pandemic has been difficult and isolating for Vesna, but she remains determined to find happiness in who she is. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories A better farewell: Giving Mum the send-off she deserved When her mother died at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Catherine Iremonger couldn’t say a proper goodbye. When her mother died at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Catherine Iremonger couldn’t say a proper goodbye. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories Singing our own songs: Helping people run their own Singing for the Brain sessions More people affected by dementia are enjoying Singing for the Brain as new groups flourish. More people affected by dementia are enjoying Singing for the Brain as new groups flourish. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories Safe havens: Helping people with dementia in a difficult situation Cleveland Police is working with local care homes to support lost vulnerable people. Cleveland Police is working with local care homes to support lost vulnerable people. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories Calm, joy and laughter: Reaching out from isolation Ronald Ferguson, who has vascular dementia and lives in Luton, told us how video calls have been helping and inspiring him. Ronald Ferguson, who has vascular dementia and lives in Luton, told us how video calls have been helping and inspiring him. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories Online champion: Dementia Friends is adapting and growing Louise Rigglesford, a Dementia Friends Champion in West Sussex, shares how she’s taken her Dementia Friends sessions online. Louise Rigglesford, a Dementia Friends Champion in West Sussex, shares how she’s taken her Dementia Friends sessions online. ... 30 September 2020
Real stories Q&A: Ananga Moonesinghe Ananga Moonesinghe, a 74-year old man in Luton with Alzheimer’s, answers our questions. Ananga Moonesinghe, a 74-year old man in Luton with Alzheimer’s, answers our questions. ... 30 September 2020
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