My dad, Ken (76), has been a dairy farmer all of his life.
There have been few days since the age of 14 where he hasn't worked on the farm. 

Over Christmas in 2021 he started having hallucinations for which the GP prescribed numerous courses of antibiotics and diagnosed him with a urine infection. None of the antibiotics worked, his hallucinations became increasingly scary and his already poor mobility continued to worsen. He was steadily losing his dignity, independence and was becoming deeply depressed. 

It wasn't until a family friend recognised my dad's symptoms and suggested it may be Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) that the GPs even looked into this as a possible answer to his condition. DLB is a type of dementia caused by Lewy bodies, which are clumps of protein in the cells of the brain. Lewy bodies cause a range of symptoms, some of which are shared by Alzheimer’s disease and some by Parkinson’s disease. For this reason, DLB is often wrongly diagnosed. About 1 in 10 people with dementia has DLB. 

My dad is now in a care home where he requires 24hr care. 

He has had no retirement; he has worked 15+ hour days in a physically demanding job in all weathers for over 60 years and now when others his age are enjoying holidays and gardening, he will see out his remaining days in a care home away from his wife of nearly 50 years, (my mum Jen) where he sits all day in a wheelchair, his mind clouded by hallucinations & delusions. There are times in a day when Dad is lucid and is obviously aware of his condition and situation which is utterly heart-breaking to witness. 

Early diagnosis could have helped my dad and my family so much; being able to find the right kind of support early on could have meant him staying at home with my mum for longer and enjoying a more independent life. 

Looking back there were warning signs over the last few years, but with no awareness of the red flags for DLB or any other type of dementia none of these were picked up on.

I am running the London Marathon 2023 for the Alzheimer's Society to raise money for the incredible work they do in supporting families like mine and for research into the causes and potential prevention of Dementia. 

My dad's life has been shattered by Dementia. This has been an incredibly painful and stressful time for my family and continues to be so every day. I know I speak on behalf of my mum, brother, sister and extended family when I say we would be incredibly grateful if you could spare a few pounds to support the Alzheimer's Society. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, 

Caz x