‘My late mother and grandmother had dementia. Our generation must fight against it’ – Simon’s story

I first got involved with Insurance United Against Dementia after attending an event hosted by Aon to highlight the work of Alzheimer’s Society. At that point, my late mother had the early onset of dementia, my grandmother had also died with it and I wanted to understand more.

It was incredible to see that, without exception, everyone who attended the event was moved by the reality and facts about dementia, but also the work being done by IUAD and Alzheimer’s Society. 

This opened my eyes to dementia and encouraged me to get others involved with the campaign too. Following Aon’s event, MS Amlin hosted similar events to increase the awareness of dementia and IUAD.

My mother and dementia

Dementia is devastating. For my mother, the slow realisation that she couldn’t look after herself as she would like to was increasingly frustrating, but the loss of memory and memories was perhaps the most upsetting. 

The impact of dementia and the steep decline in my mother’s condition was demanding for all her children and grandchildren.

My mother was very much the family matriarch, and to see her frustration and the unwilling acceptance of her condition was heartbreaking. 

Playing a part

IUAD is a very special initiative as it is truly bringing people together from across the breadth of the insurance industry. 

The work that people and companies within the industry are doing is genuinely inspiring. The huge contribution they are making to raise awareness and fundraise, particularly at this time, is so vital in our attempt to slow down this juggernaut which is damaging our society at every level. 

'For me, it is not just a personal connection but also a very necessary societal crusade'

Our generation needs to grasp this as others before us have done so effectively in the fight against cancer and heart disease.

I’m therefore very proud to be an IUAD Partner. It is about taking the personal commitment (often in addition to championing the corporate giving) to support this vital cause and it is so gratifying to see so many senior members across our industry support IUAD as a Partner.