Real stories A lack of Government support for dementia in coronavirus: David and Catriona's story David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. David has looked after his wife Catriona, who has dementia, for seven years. But the national coronavirus lockdown meant their network of services fell away. Here, he reflects on the impact of coronavirus on people affected by dementia. ... 27 October 2020
Real stories ‘We all have the same goal, a world without dementia’ - Meet our new Head of Research Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to welcome Dr Richard Oakley to our Research and Influencing team. We chat with Richard about himself, the challenges and opportunities ahead and what he’s excited about in dementia research. Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to welcome Dr Richard Oakley to our Research and Influencing team. We chat with Richard about himself, the challenges and opportunities ahead and what he’s excited about in dementia research. ... 20 October 2020
Real stories 'People with dementia have been the last to be considered in this pandemic' - Janet's story Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. Janet moved in with her mum, Dorothy, who has mixed dementia, to be her sole carer. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all their support and social contact drop away. Now, Janet is calling on Government to address the needs of people affected by dementia. ... 20 October 2020
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