Recently my beloved dad passed away due to early onset alzheimers at the age of 60. 

Before diagnosis I suppose we knew of its existence, but always thought it was rare and the sort of thing that happened to other people. Not us!

He was diagnosed 4 years before he passed, after we noticed little changes in his personality. He was doing things he never did before. Forgetting he was on a ladder and stepping off or trying to stop a table saw with his hand. All things an experienced and focused man would never contemplate. 

He was a proud, strong, confident man that began to struggle through everyday life. He found it difficult to relinquish control and slowly accept what is happening to him. 

Over time communication with him became difficult and so grew his frustration and anger. Not aimed at us or my mum caring for him. But our own frustrations grew and we all found it difficult to cope with him. Leaving my mum feeling alone and isolated doing her best to look after a man that didn't want to be looked after, due to no fault of his own.  

With help from The Alzheimers society and the healthcare system, she has managed to care for dad and herself through what I would consided has been the most difficult few years of their lives. They helped us all understand what was happening and prepare for what was to come. 

In the end he died peacefully in his sleep knowing his family were there for him every step of the way

Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year – that’s the equivalent to one person every three minutes. This September and October Memory Walks will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to raise money for a world without dementia. Arm in arm, step by step and pound by pound, we will get there. Once you donate, Just Giving will send your money directly to the Alzheimer's Society. So it’s the most efficient way to raise money – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Please dig deep and help us walk for a world without dementia.