My father was diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer's 6 years ago. In the first few years the rate of deterioration of his memory was slow, for which I was thankful, but since the arrival of the global pandemic in 2020 the deterioration process has significantly accelerated, forcing me to consider the impact of the potential later stages of this disease. 

As well as his dementia, he also has to manage the daily side effects of having no stomach (he survived stomach cancer 22 years ago after having a gastrectomy) and is the primary carer for my mum who has a long list of medical conditions and a severe lack of mobility. Yet, at the grand old age of 87 (88 in April!) he still always has a smile and a cheeky comment whenever I see him, despite the frustrations that the disease brings.

Sadly, I've also got friends and family whose relatives have also suffered from this terrible disease and have witnessed first-hand how it affects not only the sufferer, but also everyone around them. 

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.