Alzheimer's Society
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We provide information and support, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia. Replies on
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'Since mum was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease approximately three years ago, there has been an obvious change to her social life. Thankfully, her deterioration appears to be relatively slow and steady, however what has been most noticeable are her mood swings, repetition and lack of confidence. As with many individuals with a similar diagnosis, she seems to have lost a lot of motivation and is anxious most days; this stops her from wanting to leave the house, contact anyone or do any day-to-day tasks. It can be extremely difficult to spend time together but often her mood will improve with good conversation, music and/or an activity. Over the years, the amount of time she spends socialising has become less and less, particularly since permanently finishing work earlier this year. She struggles remembering how to use her mobile and if she answers a call, will often forget about the conversation altogether, which makes planning and keeping track of arrangements with friends and family a struggle. I think people assume she can't be bothered or has chosen not to reply, which often isn't the case. Few people have tried to find alternative means to make these arrangements and appear to have given up. I'd love for her friends to spend more time with her and better understand how her dementia affects her. Although it is difficult to see and deal with the changes the disease has had, I believe socialising more would help her mood and memory, and allow her friends to still have a positive relationship with her. She's still the same person deep down. People giving up on her seems to have made her give up on herself. It's already so difficult because her retirement years can't be spent how she had hoped, but now there's the additional pressure of losing her friends, too.' Today marks the start of #WorldAlzheimersMonth. The theme for this year is stigma, and we're very grateful to Tanya for sharing her family's experience of stigma with us. Sadly, it's common for friends and loved ones to distance themselves after news of a diagnosis. This can be for many reasons, including misunderstanding the symptoms of the condition. We want to break the stigma that surrounds dementia, for those affected by a diagnosis today and for generations to come.
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Julie’s Mam Kaye, was always there for her. No matter what they were doing, her Mam would always say, ‘I will do it with you.’ Even when Julie was 5 years old and camera-shy, her Mam posed with her and they took the photo together. Kaye used to work as a psychiatric nursing assistant during the 1980s. She worked predominantly in elderly mental health and had a lot of insight into dementia. She was an avid reader, enjoyed the odd crossword and she loved knitting. Over the years she made some amazing creations for her family and friends. It was when she lost the ability to follow a knitting pattern that they knew something wasn’t right. Now Kaye is living with advanced dementia and is in a full-time care home. Julie and Kaye still take photos together, but these days Julie is the one who says ‘I will do it with you.’
Photos from Alzheimer's Society's post
'My daughter, Lailah-Jayde, had her hair cut on Friday 9 August to raise money for Alzheimer's Society, totaling £200. She then donated the 12.5 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, who provide wigs to children and young people who have experienced hair loss due to cancer treatment and other conditions. The reason she chose to fundraise was for our Nana, her great-grandmother Alice. Nana Alice had both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, on 28 March she was rushed into hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Five weeks our Nana fought, not giving up; she was certainly a strong lady. In the last six weeks of her great Nana's life, Lailah-Jayde helped feed her, brush her hair, sat by her bedside and told her how much she loved her. Just before Nana Alice passed away, Lailah-Jayde read books to her, played Nana's favourite songs and sat with her. She sadly passed away on the 4 April 2019. Lailah-Jayde and her Nana Alice had the most amazing and magical bond. Even though she couldn't remember many of us, she knew who Lailah-Jayde was; she always got the kiss on the cheek and the biggest hug. Nana Alice’s eyes lit up when she saw Lailah-Jayde. When she passed, Lailah-Jayde found it so hard, and even though she kept a brave face on you could see the hurt in her eyes. She helped arrange the funeral and choose a special song. As time has gone on, she’s wanted to do something in honour of Nana Alice's memory. She also hopes by doing this kind act, it will encourage others to do so, too.' Today's #FridayFundraiser thank you goes to nine-year-old Lailah-Jayde, who selflessly cut and donated her hair whilst also raising money for Alzheimer's Society. Lailah-Jayde, we think you're a total superstar! 🌟
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‘This poem is about my own awareness of not wanting to forget my mother, Phyllis. I didn’t realise she had dementia until a year or so before she died.’ ❤️ Today is #GriefAwarenessDay, and we’re paying tribute to all the carers, family members and friends who’ve experienced grief. Grief can come after a loved one with dementia passes away, but also as their condition progresses. Giving yourself time to deal with your emotions, and getting the right support, can be challenging – but it’s incredibly important. If you’re going through feelings of grief and loss, we’re here to help you however we can: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/grief-loss-and-bereavement
Three orphan lambs visit a care home as therapy for residents with dementia
‘She’s sound asleep and I love her.’ When a local farm had some orphan lambs that were in desperate need of love and affection, they turned to a local care home for support. Most of the residents at the care home are living with dementia, and the lambs were welcomed into their home with bottles, cuddles, and lullabies. In return, the lambs were part of pet therapy for the residents, which helps to reduce anxiety and depression. The residents couldn’t stop smiling and rocking the lambs like baaaabies in their arms, while the lambs had a very comfy snooze. We love the obvious bond between the lambs and the residents. 🐑💙
We are Undefeatable
We’re in this together and even a bit of exercise counts - just make sure that it works for you and brings a smile to your face. If you have a dementia diagnosis, or care for someone living with dementia, exercise may be the last thing on your 'to-do' list. But getting moving can give you a purpose, a drive to complete a goal, and bring you closer to a supportive community where you can make new friends and have fun together. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Sport England for the exciting, new #WeAreUndefeatable campaign, that encourages people who are living with long-term conditions to get active. Read our suggestions for getting active if you have a dementia diagnosis: https://bit.ly/2Pgk4AX
'I keep feeling like we're being punished for having dementia.'
'The cost is just awful. It's costing me about £1,300 a month out of my savings, which will run out eventually.' We're proud that Dame Barbara Windsor, and her husband Scott Mitchell, have backed our campaign to #FixDementiaCare. Now, to help raise awareness of the campaign, Scott has been speaking to Val - whose partner Ivana is living with dementia - about the challenges they've faced in getting the right care. We still need more people to add their signatures to our open letter to the Prime Minister. So if you agree with Val that things need to change, please sign and share today: https://bit.ly/2L2UHi2
Timeline Photos
Dementia is often shrouded in myths and misinformation. If you're living with a diagnosis, you may have found loved ones have stopped making contact because they don't want to 'catch dementia', or members of the public may have treated you badly because 'you don't look like you've got dementia'. These are all forms of stigma. We want to break stigma to prevent people experiencing prejudice now and in the future. This September is World Alzheimer's Month and we want to make sure that the voices of people affected by dementia are heard. We're looking to share your experiences of stigma, so if you'd like to get involved please do post your stories below or send an email to socialmedia@alzheimers.org.uk.
KELZO14💙 on Twitter
Twitter user Kelzo14 shared this fun moment with her 82 year old nan, who is living with dementia. We love the power of music. 💙 This video shows that no matter your age or diagnosis, when your song comes on in the car you just have to sing along! 🎙️🎵
How I am now: Embracing the unexpected
‘It must be heartbreaking for a daughter if their mum says, “Who are you?”’ Margaret received a shock dementia diagnosis after a visit to the hospital, but she is determined to embrace her condition and not let it stop her from enjoying her life. Despite trying to look on the positive side, she still has one lingering fear - the possibility of forgetting her children. Dave, her Dementia Support Worker, has developed strategies to help her cope and has reassured her that she won’t forget her family overnight, but the fear still remains.
Photos from Alzheimer's Society's post
'My grandma Mavis is living with vascular dementia. Her and my grandad Jim have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. My grandma struggles with her short term memory but can remember her wedding day as if it were yesterday. She tells us about her honeymoon in Skegness, and says that’s all they could afford. My grandad has given up his home to move into extra care with my grandma, so they can stay together. He struggles sometimes, but we all help out as much as we can. We arranged a party for them and they received a telegram from the Queen which they are both over the moon about. It’s been framed and everyone has seen it. They have been through so much together but the love they have for each other is everlasting.' Huge congratulations from us to you, Mavis and Jim! 🎉💙
Photos from Alzheimer's Society's post
‘My wife Yvonne has Alzheimer’s, which was diagnosed about 4 years ago, but I feel sure she has had it many more years than that. I am her full-time carer, and it has taken a long time to adapt to coping with her change in personality, her lows, her inability to perform things like dressing, and many more simple personal tasks we take for granted. Her having no conception of time is my most difficult area to cope with and tests my patience, especially at night. Because of our routine, my wife is very dependent on me both emotionally and in practical terms. So how do I cope at the tender age of 71 with a wife of 48 years? I have altered my outlook on life and material achievements. I have my artwork to take my mind off things whilst still being to hand. Encouragement from friends helps enormously. I hope my experience may help with other carers who are not coping so well. I have done 2 paintings which I have called “Dementia”!’ - Bob, husband and carer ❤️
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