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Alzheimer's
- George says ‘that advertisment’ is causing so much damage and we have to do something about it
- Gail has a terrible and very upsetting experience on X (twitter)
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- Dory waiting to hear what she had said in a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio Wales!
- Peter one and Alzheimer’s nil!
- “Many people have a difficult time talking with doctors or nurses.”
- “Things are really looking up!”
- “I don’t think the Alzheimer’s Society is prolific enough in running down the government”
- “It’s not only us with dementia…”
- “Oh yes! Alzheimer’s from the dentist that’s a new one”.
- “She said there’s still hope, that they’re going to make a breakthrough”
- “Twitter is therapy for me: it frees my mind and I can express my feelings in the written word without getting emotional”
- Department of Health: Meet Tommy Dunne
- “Local, and hopefully national, identity cards – it will be a really good thing”
- “Sometimes people with dementia behave aggressively. This can be very distressing”
- STILL ALICE: “The decline is too rapid and stereotypical”
- “On bad days it’s like living in a fog”
- “We’re so lucky to meet such an encouraging group of people”
- Our reaction to the passing of Terry Pratchett
- “I want some of my old life back please”
- “So far everyone has been very accepting of my condition”
- “It’s 6.35 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and made myself a cup of hot milk”
- “I had a talk about my past and what I used to do. It’s been great!”
Awareness
- George responds to the proposal to cut the budget for the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at Bradford University
- Peter comments on the dismal debate in Parliament about dementia
- Gail’s Dementia Diary – When you see both sides
- Peter is really pleased how ‘The Archers’ has depicted dementia and recommends you listen
- Jacqui is very pleased with ‘Living with Dementia Reconsidered’ and is proud to have been a part of it
- Allison recognises the invaluable contribution of volunteers in Volunteers’ Week
- The Tee-shirt by Maxine
- When a friendship changes. It’s not me. It’s you.
- Peter would like to see a Dementia Village in Wales as an alternative to a Care Home
- How do you know what it is like to live with dementia unless you listen to us?
- Why are you here? Listen deeper than you have ever listened in your life
- Facing Reality -You can’t change anyone except yourself, but do stand-up for yourself while you can
- A beautiful and emotionally powerful poem – ‘Will I’ by George Rook
- Lynne says – I’m not stupid. I have dementia.
- Allison asks why segregate when we can include people in church services with some small changes
- Maxine says knowing about sensory changes in dementia is hugely important in dealing with it
- Peter has a terrible experience at his GP practice for his medication review
- A beautiful video tour of Kew Gardens from Wayne
- Wayne questions why Premier Inn wouldn’t allow early check in but had no issue with Travelodge
- Peter talks about feeling ‘guilt-tripped’ about having dementia – like it is our fault!
- George says ‘that advertisment’ is causing so much damage and we have to do something about it
- Wayne talks about ‘wandering’ and his new difficulties with the ‘touch’ aspect of technology
- Frannie starts going to a new group in her area
- Dory shares some tips about coping with sensory overload when you are out and about
- Wayne says “It is like losing a connection with myself” in Part 3 of his diary about sensory issues
- Allison talks about her experiences of sensory overload with her dementia
- The Good Life course has broadened and eased our minds
- Gail is very hurt and upset by a thoughtless overheard comment
- Gail says “Why are we giving them our precious time?”
- Dory says don’t make people scared of getting a diagnosis – in response to ‘The Long Goodbye’
- Allison shares her thoughts about ‘The Long Goodbye’ and encourages people who are newly diagnosed to seek peer support
- George adds his dismayed voice about The Long Goodbye – but adds message of hope to people who are recently diagnosed
- A really powerful musing from new Dementia Diarist Lynne Hagan
- Dory has problems with her pharmacy and missing medication… is this a scam?
- Dory was proudly, and humbly, nominated for volunteer of the year award
- Dory is upset by a recent experience with some paid carers
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- What do you think about the Nigel storyline in Eastenders? Allison hopes he gets some peer support!
- Gail has a terrible and very upsetting experience on X (twitter)
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- Agnes an emotional letter of complaint to her GP Practice
- Peter Berry announces a charity bike ride from Wales to Suffolk in June 2018
- Still lots to do with awareness raising!
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- It still surprises me the lack of involvement
- Keep up with your blogging, you seem to be looking right into my head
- Dory reminds us how hurtful thoughtless comments can be
- Steve and Margaret have fun out shopping (including lots of white paint, birthday cards and kindness)
- Steve talks to Dementia Friendly Iceland (shop not country!)
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- Steve says a BIG THANK YOU to our new funders!
- Tracey says it is so important to get across our good and bad days
- Peter sees Dementia Diaries as an opportunity for more voices of people living with dementia to be heard
- James McKillop talks about how much has changed since he was diagnosed in the last century!
- Steve talks about working with GPs in Stockport to become Dementia Friendly
- We are a united movement using social media to get our voices heard
- Dory talks about why it is important for our voices to be heard
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- Peter Berry says, People don’t know how to react, rather than talking about talk to people living with dementia!
Brain
- Peter does a staggering amount of activities each day to keep exercising his brain
- Frances would like to hear from you if you have PCA or are you a neurologist who can help?
- “If they could only live in your head for one day, they would understand the difficulties”
- “I can’t remember from one episode to the next, what the previous episode was about anyway”
- “The management of the emotion of fear”
- “My eyes see perfectly – it’s the brain that’s tricking me”
- “Music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot”
Dealing with Dementia
- The reality of being a younger person with dementia – I just want to be me
- Raymond has to leave a noisy session and he sees the Doctor
- Peter would like to see a Dementia Village in Wales as an alternative to a Care Home
- I agree with Peter says Lynne…give us supporters instead of carers!
- Raymond is disappointed not to be able go on holiday this year
- Dory responds to Allison’s diary about vivid dreams with her own disturbing experiences.
- Allison doesn’t always know if her dreams are real or not – do you experience something similar?
- Facing Reality -You can’t change anyone except yourself, but do stand-up for yourself while you can
- Lynne says – I’m not stupid. I have dementia.
- Peter does a staggering amount of activities each day to keep exercising his brain
- Maxine says knowing about sensory changes in dementia is hugely important in dealing with it
- Peter has a terrible experience at his GP practice for his medication review
- Peter on living life by lists – and how each day is an achievement.
- Peter reflects on the changed significance of the phrase “out of sight out of mind”
- Peter talks about feeling ‘guilt-tripped’ about having dementia – like it is our fault!
- Lynne introduces us to her world including her diagnosis and her dementia … and pledges to be true to herself.
- Gail says “Don’t try to make it right – live in the here and now”
- Wayne talks about ‘wandering’ and his new difficulties with the ‘touch’ aspect of technology
- Frannie starts going to a new group in her area
- Dory shares some tips about coping with sensory overload when you are out and about
- Wayne says “It is like losing a connection with myself” in Part 3 of his diary about sensory issues
- Allison talks about her experiences of sensory overload with her dementia
- Wayne wants to highlight the sensory aspects of dementia (with special thanks to Agnes Houston)
- The Good Life course has broadened and eased our minds
- Maxine asks is this because I have dementia or would this happen anyway …
- Gail is very hurt and upset by a thoughtless overheard comment
- Joy shares very sad news about our good friend Nigel Hullah
- James has been discharged by his psychiatrist – but he’s not happy
- Allison shares her thoughts about ‘The Long Goodbye’ and encourages people who are newly diagnosed to seek peer support
- Maxine has learned some important lessons from her recent house move.
- A really powerful musing from new Dementia Diarist Lynne Hagan
- Stephen enjoys getting out in the sunshine and it makes all the difference
- Allison says – find someone who gets it – don’t be alone or struggle alone
- Gail talks very powerfully about trust and relationships
- Frances would like to hear from you if you have PCA or are you a neurologist who can help?
- Raymond tells us about the different groups he goes to which cheer him up a bit
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- Joy can’t wait for spring!
- A very tired Gail talks about sleep and dementia – not a great combination!
- What do you think about the Nigel storyline in Eastenders? Allison hopes he gets some peer support!
- Gail has a terrible and very upsetting experience on X (twitter)
- Raymond says no-one talks about dementia in his group and an unfortunate expense as a result of an accident
- Jacqui is reminded that it is often good to listen to the advice of somebody who knows you well
- Agnes another stressful attempt to get through to GP practice
- Agnes update and thank you for peer support
- Agnes an emotional letter of complaint to her GP Practice
- Agnes has a terrible experience with a GP receptionist trying to get an appointment
- Keith Oliver reports on the sales of his fantastic book Walk the Walk Talk the Talk
- Dory asks if being over sensitive is a symptom of dementia
- Chris says I would rather be busy than stay at home with dementia
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- Keep up with your blogging, you seem to be looking right into my head
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- How degrading is it if you have the ability and self awareness to be able to use the toilet and you are made to soil yourself in a nappy
- No one judges me for what I have got they all accept me for who I am
- Dory waiting to hear what she had said in a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio Wales!
- Agnes talks about the minefield of managing expenses
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- People do not realise the the amount of effort we have to put in
- Keith on Being busy and living well
- When you are depressed it is a hell of a job to get back up
- Agnes talking about the importance of good travel arrangements
- Peter Berry went out cycling and it made him feel like the person he used to be
- Melvyn talks about Trevor from ForgetMeNots, he’s a wise, gentle and compassionate man
- “I couldn’t make the Dementia Action Alliance gathering”
- “I hate change. Why can’t they leave things alone?”
- “Making sure that dementia doesn’t hold me back”
- “People like us that live with dementia is the people with the most input into it”
- “If someone is gonna to be diagnosed with dementia then everything’s gotta be in place”
- “Things are really looking up!”
- “I haven’t checked in for a while and I do apologise”
- “Full of the joys of Spring!”
- “…we have been offered free tickets to go see a play at a Playhouse in Liverpool”
- “The queue was getting bigger now, none of them obviously knew of my condition.”
- “It has now become necessary to keep the diary so I don’t forget even the most mundane of things.”
- “There is nothing more comforting than for someone else saying that they are experiencing the same symptoms”
- “I have dementia, but I’d like to tell everyone that has dementia that there is things out there we can do”
- “Never mind about living well with dementia. This morning it’s living hell with dementia”
- “Little did they know it was crumpling me up inside”
- “An IQ test for dogs could help fight dementia in new scientist claim”
- “So many wonderful organisations to help people like me”
- “I compare my dementia to a bottle of lemonade”
- “Still can’t go out to walk, let alone run”
- “A whole load of weight has been lifted off of me”
- “If anybody else is having this experience, it’d be nice to know”
- “Our Come and Go café: anyone who has memory problems can come talk in a relaxed atmosphere”
- “On holiday it wasn’t Dementialand at all, it was wonderful”
- “I felt for the first time in a long time, that someone was truly listening”
- “Twitter is therapy for me: it frees my mind and I can express my feelings in the written word without getting emotional”
- “Decisions on what we have to eat, what to wear and where to go are taken away from us”
- “I do not yet sense any effects of ‘Big Alzy’ which are beyond my adapting to them”
- “Life is so important; why should people be allowed to take their own lives?”
- “I hate this disease, but I’ve got it, I have to get on with it”
- “I’m feeling better”
- “I particularly don’t like the word dementia because I don’t think it’s the right word”
- “The Parliament have decided to instigate a program of Dementia Friends across Australia.”
- “Our input gives students the opportunity to learn. We complete their learning”
- “Society is not equipped to support people with dementia”
- “If they could only live in your head for one day, they would understand the difficulties”
- “Dementia – it’s a horrible word, people confuse it with ‘demented'”
- “It feels good when you can help somebody else”
- “The management of the emotion of fear”
- “So far everyone has been very accepting of my condition”
- “I guess I’m crazy, but I don’t have any bad thoughts about dementia”
- “Expressing ourselves creatively seems to be much easier since being diagnosed with dementia”
- “I don’t like reading about dementia and how awful it is”
DEEP
- A poem from Like Minded group (introduced by Dory and read by Stacy)
- Jacqui responds to Allison’s diary about vivid dreams
- Dory reads a ghost story written by Like Minded in Mold – The Cap-able Ghost
- Dory was proudly, and humbly, nominated for volunteer of the year award
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- Dory reflects on DEEP 10th Anniversary celebrations in 2022 – ‘A memory I will never forget”
- DEEP News. Is it any good? Hear what Paul thinks.
- Stephen really enjoys his ZOOM meetings with other dementia diarists.
- Dory and DEEP in Deeside at The Plough
- Dory looking forward to seeing everybody at Congress
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- No one judges me for what I have got they all accept me for who I am
- Steve talks about working with GPs in Stockport to become Dementia Friendly
- We are a united movement using social media to get our voices heard
- Agnes reports from ‘Widening Spaces’ in Edinburgh ‘The new dementia widening choices for our future support’
- I shout from the rooftops at every opportunity about dementia
- We still have opinions!
- Dory talks about why it is important for our voices to be heard
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- We people living with dementia will challenge, we will disprupt!
- Agnes talking about the importance of good travel arrangements
- Dory announces the launch of A Friendly Face
- Melvyn talks about Trevor from ForgetMeNots, he’s a wise, gentle and compassionate man
- Chris Ryan “I was disappointed that the Minister didn’t turn up to Dementia Congress”
- “I had a fabulous day”
Dementia
- Peter comments on the dismal debate in Parliament about dementia
- Peter talks about feeling ‘guilt-tripped’ about having dementia – like it is our fault!
- The Good Life course has broadened and eased our minds
- James has been discharged by his psychiatrist – but he’s not happy
- Dory was proudly, and humbly, nominated for volunteer of the year award
- Dory is upset by a recent experience with some paid carers
- Dory replies to Ask a Dementia Diarist from a lady who cares for her husband with dementia.
- Wayne thanks Pauline Quirke for years of laughter
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- Peter thoughts on Christmas
- Carol I will not lie down and take this without a fight
- Glenda talks about finding it easier to read in English but easier to speak in Welsh
- Keith Oliver reports on the sales of his fantastic book Walk the Walk Talk the Talk
- Dory asks if being over sensitive is a symptom of dementia
- John why are we not playing more of a role
- You are still the same person to me Melv
- Dory reporting from Dementia Congress about the importance of Dementia Diaries
- Steve Clifford reports on Day 1 Dementia Congress
- Dory feedback after a day at Dementia Congress
- Peter Berry announces a charity bike ride from Wales to Suffolk in June 2018
- Steve Clifford comments on the debate at Dementia Congress
- Shelagh Robinson comments on opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Chris comments on opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Steve If you were me
- Do not walk behind me I may not lead, just walk beside me and be my friend
- Agnes says it is a very sad step back for Scotland with their Dementia Strategy
- Chris says I would rather be busy than stay at home with dementia
- Carol tells us about testing an exciting travel app
- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
- A memory triggered from a memory
- Tracey’s writing group triggering memories from her nursing days
- A stimulating, interesting and challenging week
- Still lots to do with awareness raising!
- Steve’s Memories of a Mancunian Bobby (Big Les)
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- We had a bit of fun a bit of a laugh
- Nancy shares her Berlin Adventures
- Dory reminds us how hurtful thoughtless comments can be
- Think about this and think about us
- There are some people who believe because we have dementia that we should not have success
- Margaret has a Birthday, Stockport Precinct and a man with purple hair!
- Dory in Manchester discussing what is important to us about how we are treated at the end of our life
- Dory reports on peer support taking great shape in North Wales
- How degrading is it if you have the ability and self awareness to be able to use the toilet and you are made to soil yourself in a nappy
- Nigel and our 1st powerful voice (from Wales) recording for Dementia Diaries
- No one judges me for what I have got they all accept me for who I am
- Steve tells us how important it is for us to listen to Dementia Diaries
- My life at present is a merry go round and I am enjoying every minute of it.
- Tracey says it is so important to get across our good and bad days
- Carol share her 1st Report that People with dementia can and do live well
- George shares some fascintaing insights into his side effects of taking Donepezil
- James McKillop talks about how much has changed since he was diagnosed in the last century!
- There is a rich untapped pool of what it is like to live with dementia out there so, Use it or Lose it.
- Steve talks about working with GPs in Stockport to become Dementia Friendly
- We are a united movement using social media to get our voices heard
- So come on world, let us turns words into actions
- Agnes reports from ‘Widening Spaces’ in Edinburgh ‘The new dementia widening choices for our future support’
- Tracey talks about how much she loves going out to do talks about living with dementia
- I shout from the rooftops at every opportunity about dementia
- We still have opinions!
- Agnes talks about the minefield of managing expenses
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- We people living with dementia will challenge, we will disprupt!
- Agnes talking about the importance of good travel arrangements
- Dory announces the launch of A Friendly Face
- Peter Berry went out cycling and it made him feel like the person he used to be
- Melvyn reflecting on his diary in 2013 to 14 and how things are no better, in fact they are worse
- Peter shares his first experience of being on an advisory panel
- Having faith and believing in yourself
- Dory is so sorry and angry to hear about PIP being stopped
- Wendy Mitchell talks about PIP Payments being Taken Away!
- Steve has a bad experience in DIY store
- “Happy moments like these are very special, so keep positive and enjoy life as much as you can.”
- “What does it feel like when the big D collides with the big C?”
- “Its pretty hard to concentrate on things for a long period of time”
- “So many wonderful organisations to help people like me”
- “I compare my dementia to a bottle of lemonade”
- “A whole load of weight has been lifted off of me”
- “Oh yes! Alzheimer’s from the dentist that’s a new one”.
- “Delighted by headlines explaining the value of red wine – to stop the ageing process of the brain”
- Making Liverpool dementia friendly: “We don’t expect it to happen overnight – but it’s a start”
- Thought for the week No. 4: “Remember it is my short term memory, my right now memory, that is gone”
- “Decisions on what we have to eat, what to wear and where to go are taken away from us”
- Thought for the week No.3: “Slow down, and don’t sneak up on me”
- “Today’s been bit of a sad day really”
- “It was just fantastic to have so many people participating and not letting anything getting them down”
- “Organisations across Liverpool can become more dementia friendly”
- Article response: “Our NHS is getting a battering, but I did not expect this”
- “People we never see from one end of the year to the other suddenly turn up in gangs and start fussing over us”
- “We want to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia in Liverpool”
- “Why does everything take ages and ages to do?”
- “Incontinence is not a subject many people want to talk about”
- Thought for the week: “When you get tense and uptight, it makes me feel tense and uptight”
- “Social care is invaluable in the system to adapt to the chaotic attack upon a person’s self”
- “Local, and hopefully national, identity cards – it will be a really good thing”
- “I particularly don’t like the word dementia because I don’t think it’s the right word”
- “Sometimes people with dementia behave aggressively. This can be very distressing”
- “The Parliament have decided to instigate a program of Dementia Friends across Australia.”
- “Our input gives students the opportunity to learn. We complete their learning”
- “Friend told me she has really found it valuable to listen to my reports as it gives her comfort”
- STILL ALICE: “The decline is too rapid and stereotypical”
- “On bad days it’s like living in a fog”
- “We’re so lucky to meet such an encouraging group of people”
- Our reaction to the passing of Terry Pratchett
- Thought for the week: “What makes me feel safe, secure and happy? A smile.”
- “If they could only live in your head for one day, they would understand the difficulties”
- “I can’t remember from one episode to the next, what the previous episode was about anyway”
- “Dementia – it’s a horrible word, people confuse it with ‘demented'”
- “The Daily Express has all the answers and only for 55 pence!”
- “It feels good when you can help somebody else”
- “If I over work my head that’s when the problems start”
- “The management of the emotion of fear”
- “The system has got to be improved somehow”
- “I want some of my old life back please”
- “If it’s got words, I just cannot follow it”
- “I don’t know if this is acceptance or what”
- “My eyes see perfectly – it’s the brain that’s tricking me”
- “The change means that more people will be able to have the care and support that they need”
- “My voice could help someone else”
- “Music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot”
- “‘Alzheimer’s sufferers’ – it’s just a word, really doesn’t bother me”
- “I was in a shop and couldn’t remember what I wanted”
- “Personal care requires understanding”
- “The Box” by Kendrew Lascelles.
- “It’s 6.35 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and made myself a cup of hot milk”
- “I look at these people and think, oh my god, am I going to end up like this, it’s hard.”
- “Music for Memory really does lift the mood”
- “Yes, Sainsbury’s is a caring company. The staff are helpful and make you feel at home.”
- “I can remember things from years ago but can’t remember things from one hour ago”
- Before & After: “Alzheimer’s has changed my style, it hasn’t changed my passion for art”
- “I guess I’m crazy, but I don’t have any bad thoughts about dementia”
- “I feel I have given so much of my time to raising awareness”
- “You forget memories that you have”
- Words are very powerful – they can build you up or put you down. When you are speaking about dementia remember this.
- “People with young onset dementia’s needs are not being met”
- “We need plenty of encouragement”
- “I had a talk about my past and what I used to do. It’s been great!”
- “I realised I was becoming a dangerous driver”
- Archie Jatta
Dementia Diaries
- Lynne says – I’m not stupid. I have dementia.
- George says ‘that advertisment’ is causing so much damage and we have to do something about it
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- A big welcome from Wayne as Dementia Diaries returns.
- Larry celebrates the joy of being alive, and how Dementia Diaries helps him to do just that.
- Keith reports on a small world being found through Dementia Diaries
- Agnes says it is difficult to manage without Donna
- Glenda Roberts first diary recording from North Wales
- Dory reporting from Dementia Congress about the importance of Dementia Diaries
- Dory looking forward to seeing everybody at Congress
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- Dory reports on peer support taking great shape in North Wales
- Steve says a BIG THANK YOU to our new funders!
- Steve tells us how important it is for us to listen to Dementia Diaries
- Tracey says it is so important to get across our good and bad days
- Carol share her 1st Report that People with dementia can and do live well
- Peter sees Dementia Diaries as an opportunity for more voices of people living with dementia to be heard
- There is a rich untapped pool of what it is like to live with dementia out there so, Use it or Lose it.
- We are a united movement using social media to get our voices heard
- What a great project Dementia Diaries is and how important it is to hear the voices of people living with dementia
- Keith on Being busy and living well
- Nancy McAdam shares her first Dementia Diaries post!
- When you are depressed it is a hell of a job to get back up
- Wendy Mitchell comments on Dementia Diaries Meet Up
- Alan (my husband) met a nurse who told him he can’t have dementia!
- I want to talk about Keith’s book
- “Live for today”
- ‘Flying high – not bad for a guy with dementia eh?’
- “Making sure that dementia doesn’t hold me back”
- “Thought I would take the opportunity to do a dementia audit”
- “It’s very important to have photographs of people you like”
- “Come on guys, I spend every waking hour trying to help communities dementia friendly”
- “I can’t thank the press enough for their intervention”
- “I’m still running, I’m running better than I first started”
- “I did not understand what they found for their explanation, I was ok. More confused.”
- “Dementia is taboo. The word translate in Turkish as “bunak”, which means someone who has lost his/her mind.”
- “Just like to give you an update on the latest”
- “It was a bit of a rollercoaster really”
- “I want to bring awareness to other young people”
- “We all learnt so much”
- “Social caring is helping people hold onto the things that they have left…”
- “I won two raffle prizes, great, woohoo!”
- “Don’t let anyone tell you that dementia is just about moving your memory.”
- “Just an update”
- “I was trying to remember and memorise, memorise and memorise. “
- “I had a frustrating day yesterday…”
- “They have missed out on a golden opportunity to enhance dementia awareness”
- “The help that is available is tremendous in every way”
- “I would like to share my thoughts”
- “Its pretty hard to concentrate on things for a long period of time”
- “Embracing and enjoying dementia”
- “I’ve just moved house and hadn’t appreciated how difficult it would be”
- “I was reading a little article in Poetry Corner”
- “We went to Rowntree Park Cafe for some french conversation classes”
- “You just have to live with these things, don’t you?”
- “Random acts of kindness can have such a huge impact on how you feel”
- “Our wonderful choir”
- “There’s a lot more to life than you think…”
- “I have more patience now than what I’ve ever had”
- “I think it’s a tremendous programme, it shows both sides of all sorts of things that people are going through”
- “GPs will have to inform the DVLA if they think one of the patients is not safe to drive”
- “Oh yes! Alzheimer’s from the dentist that’s a new one”.
- “I can see the words but can’t say them – that’s how dementia gets you”
- “I’m having a bit of trouble getting going on my next art project”
- “We can hope that we can outlive this and possibly be cured in the future”
- “Katie Hopkin’s outrageous comments are so disrespectful to those of us living with dementia”
- “Life is so important; why should people be allowed to take their own lives?”
- “Organisations across Liverpool can become more dementia friendly”
- Article response: “Our NHS is getting a battering, but I did not expect this”
- “People we never see from one end of the year to the other suddenly turn up in gangs and start fussing over us”
- “My disgust at the news report about the closing down of the care home in Burley”
- “We need to make sure everyone has support”
- “I think my dementia symptoms are getting worse and I’m frightened”
- “We want to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia in Liverpool”
- “Friend told me she has really found it valuable to listen to my reports as it gives her comfort”
Dementia Friends
- Steve and Margaret have fun out shopping (including lots of white paint, birthday cards and kindness)
- Steve talks to Dementia Friendly Iceland (shop not country!)
- “It’s not only us with dementia…”
- “I’m really impressed with the way Tommy chairs these meetings, maybe I can learn from him.”
- “The Parliament have decided to instigate a program of Dementia Friends across Australia.”
- “We’re so lucky to meet such an encouraging group of people”
- “I saw the bank manager at Barclays about them being dementia friendly and got a good response”
- “You forget memories that you have”
Everyday
- Dory reads two poems by Donna Ashworth
- Allison recognises the invaluable contribution of volunteers in Volunteers’ Week
- The amazing joy of a grandchild
- Peter would like to see a Dementia Village in Wales as an alternative to a Care Home
- Allison asks why segregate when we can include people in church services with some small changes
- A beautiful diary from George reflecting on his 41 year old garden and where he wants to die – but not just yet
- Lynne introduces us to her world including her diagnosis and her dementia … and pledges to be true to herself.
- Gail says “Don’t try to make it right – live in the here and now”
- Dory feels blessed with a wonderful day on Saturday and a touching thanks today
- Gail is very hurt and upset by a thoughtless overheard comment
- Maxine has learned some important lessons from her recent house move.
- Agnes another stressful attempt to get through to GP practice
- Agnes update and thank you for peer support
- Glenda reporting from sunny Pwllheli
- Carol I will not lie down and take this without a fight
- Glenda talks about finding it easier to read in English but easier to speak in Welsh
- Just Ask Us – Poster design comments with Glenda and Ann
- Dory asks if being over sensitive is a symptom of dementia
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Agnes reports on a terrible and distressing phone call
- Do not walk behind me I may not lead, just walk beside me and be my friend
- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough
- Going on holiday, running 10Ks, swimming and a birthday!
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- Keep up with your blogging, you seem to be looking right into my head
- Dory reminds us how hurtful thoughtless comments can be
- Steve and Margaret have fun out shopping (including lots of white paint, birthday cards and kindness)
- Steve talks to Dementia Friendly Iceland (shop not country!)
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- Carol share her 1st Report that People with dementia can and do live well
- Keith on Being busy and living well
- Peter Berry says, People don’t know how to react, rather than talking about talk to people living with dementia!
- Melvyn talks about Trevor from ForgetMeNots, he’s a wise, gentle and compassionate man
- Litter picking with a silver lining
- “Just to say… I do not like Alzheimers!”
- “…we have been offered free tickets to go see a play at a Playhouse in Liverpool”
- “We are also doing something locally in Liverpool now with our local radio station “Radio City”
- “The queue was getting bigger now, none of them obviously knew of my condition.”
- “It has now become necessary to keep the diary so I don’t forget even the most mundane of things.”
- “I have dementia, but I’d like to tell everyone that has dementia that there is things out there we can do”
- “I can see the words but can’t say them – that’s how dementia gets you”
- “Our Come and Go café: anyone who has memory problems can come talk in a relaxed atmosphere”
- “I’m having a bit of trouble getting going on my next art project”
- “On holiday it wasn’t Dementialand at all, it was wonderful”
- “I fairly enjoyed a wee day out”
- “I felt for the first time in a long time, that someone was truly listening”
- “Twitter is therapy for me: it frees my mind and I can express my feelings in the written word without getting emotional”
- Thought for the week No. 4: “Remember it is my short term memory, my right now memory, that is gone”
- “Decisions on what we have to eat, what to wear and where to go are taken away from us”
- Thought for the week No.3: “Slow down, and don’t sneak up on me”
- “Society is not equipped to support people with dementia”
- “I can’t remember from one episode to the next, what the previous episode was about anyway”
- “Dementia – it’s a horrible word, people confuse it with ‘demented'”
- “The Daily Express has all the answers and only for 55 pence!”
- “I don’t know if this is acceptance or what”
- Before & After: “Alzheimer’s has changed my style, it hasn’t changed my passion for art”
- Music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot
- “I feel like I’ve just been wading through sticky treacle all day”
- “We need plenty of encouragement”
learning
- George responds to the proposal to cut the budget for the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at Bradford University
- Peter does a staggering amount of activities each day to keep exercising his brain
- Dory is upset by a recent experience with some paid carers
- Dory waiting to hear what she had said in a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio Wales!
- Tracey talks about how much she loves going out to do talks about living with dementia
- “Working with the diocese in Liverpool”
- “An IQ test for dogs could help fight dementia in new scientist claim”
- “Our input gives students the opportunity to learn. We complete their learning”
living with dementia
- Some of Lynne’s favourite quotes …
- Dory reads “Please hear what I’m not saying’ by Charles C. Finn
- Peter has good news and the NIHR agrees that the voices of people with dementia do count!
- Raymond from Oldham enjoys his busy week of activities
- Peter comments on the dismal debate in Parliament about dementia
- The Dong and Dementia
- Gail’s Dementia Diary – When you see both sides
- Dory reads two poems by Donna Ashworth
- Peter is really pleased how ‘The Archers’ has depicted dementia and recommends you listen
- Jacqui is very pleased with ‘Living with Dementia Reconsidered’ and is proud to have been a part of it
- The Jumblies … and dementia
- The Tee-shirt by Maxine
- Raymond doesn’t know where the time goes when he is having fun!
- The amazing joy of a grandchild
- When a friendship changes. It’s not me. It’s you.
- Peter would like to see a Dementia Village in Wales as an alternative to a Care Home
- How do you know what it is like to live with dementia unless you listen to us?
- Jacqui responds to Allison’s diary about vivid dreams
- Why are you here? Listen deeper than you have ever listened in your life
- Allison doesn’t always know if her dreams are real or not – do you experience something similar?
- Lynne says – I’m not stupid. I have dementia.
- Wayne jumps on a train for a fresh bit of haddock
- Allison asks why segregate when we can include people in church services with some small changes
- Peter on living life by lists – and how each day is an achievement.
- Peter reflects on the changed significance of the phrase “out of sight out of mind”
- A beautiful diary from George reflecting on his 41 year old garden and where he wants to die – but not just yet
- Wayne finds a novel use for the “I want to speak’ yellow cards to watch the partial eclipse
- Raymond shares his busy diary and you can hear how much it means to him
- Lynne introduces us to her world including her diagnosis and her dementia … and pledges to be true to herself.
- Gail says “Don’t try to make it right – live in the here and now”
- Dory shares some tips about coping with sensory overload when you are out and about
- Allison talks about her experiences of sensory overload with her dementia
- Wayne talks, in Part 2, about how noise now bothers and exhausts him – especially coffee machines!
- Maxine asks is this because I have dementia or would this happen anyway …
- Dory feels blessed with a wonderful day on Saturday and a touching thanks today
- Human Rights are not optional – they always apply – George pays tribute to Nigel Hullah
- Raymond talks about incontinence and just not knowing when you need to go
- Joy needs your help – she is getting so stressed about scammers
- Always a joy to hear what Raymond from Oldham is up to.
- Maxine has learned some important lessons from her recent house move.
- Chris from Belfast tells us about his outside space and an eternal blooming rose in his ‘Garden Chat’
- Have a smile and a chuckle with a joke for a grey day from Dory
- Maxine talks about her Shared Reading experience
- Raymond tells us about the different groups he goes to which cheer him up a bit
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- We will not be silenced by the threat of scammers. We’ve worked too hard to get our voices heard!
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- Agnes another stressful attempt to get through to GP practice
- Glenda reporting from sunny Pwllheli
- Peter thoughts on Christmas
- Agnes says it is difficult to manage without Donna
- Carol I will not lie down and take this without a fight
- Dory update from the gym and a Fifty pound apology
- Glenda Roberts first diary recording from North Wales
- Keith Oliver reporting on his care plan review and meeting with DEEP and BPS
- Keith Oliver reports on the sales of his fantastic book Walk the Walk Talk the Talk
- You are still the same person to me Melv
- Dory reports on day two of Dementia Congress
- Carol stress stress stress DWP stress
- Steve If you were me
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Agnes reports on a terrible and distressing phone call
- Do not walk behind me I may not lead, just walk beside me and be my friend
- Melvyn catch up with news and how he lived in a shed in his back garden for a year
- Going on holiday, running 10Ks, swimming and a birthday!
- Tracey’s writing group triggering memories from her nursing days
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- Keep up with your blogging, you seem to be looking right into my head
- Margaret has a Birthday, Stockport Precinct and a man with purple hair!
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- Dory reports on peer support taking great shape in North Wales
- No one judges me for what I have got they all accept me for who I am
- Tracey says it is so important to get across our good and bad days
- Carol share her 1st Report that People with dementia can and do live well
- Dory waiting to hear what she had said in a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio Wales!
- Tracey talks about how much she loves going out to do talks about living with dementia
- Jo Bennett ran the Stockport 10K and absolutely LOVED it!
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- Every day is a blessing that I am me
- Chris Norris launches “Making An Impact Together”
- Bad days – ‘I can’t find my glasses’
- “I hate change. Why can’t they leave things alone?”
- ‘Flying high – not bad for a guy with dementia eh?’
- “Happy moments like these are very special, so keep positive and enjoy life as much as you can.”
- “Making sure that dementia doesn’t hold me back”
- “Live for today and enjoy every precious minute while you can”
- “Thought I would take the opportunity to do a dementia audit”
- “Things are really looking up!”
- “Whoever you are, thank you. I may well have needed your help”
- “Full of the joys of Spring!”
- “Working with the diocese in Liverpool”
- “Just to say… I do not like Alzheimers!”
- “The queue was getting bigger now, none of them obviously knew of my condition.”
- “Never mind about living well with dementia. This morning it’s living hell with dementia”
- “I can see the words but can’t say them – that’s how dementia gets you”
- “I felt for the first time in a long time, that someone was truly listening”
- “Twitter is therapy for me: it frees my mind and I can express my feelings in the written word without getting emotional”
- “Decisions on what we have to eat, what to wear and where to go are taken away from us”
- “I’m really impressed with the way Tommy chairs these meetings, maybe I can learn from him.”
- “I hate this disease, but I’ve got it, I have to get on with it”
- “Stop treating us as though we are all stupid”
- “The Parliament have decided to instigate a program of Dementia Friends across Australia.”
- “Society is not equipped to support people with dementia”
- “Dementia – it’s a horrible word, people confuse it with ‘demented'”
- “The Daily Express has all the answers and only for 55 pence!”
- “It feels good when you can help somebody else”
- “The system has got to be improved somehow”
- “If it’s got words, I just cannot follow it”
- “I don’t know if this is acceptance or what”
- “My voice could help someone else”
Media
- Peter is really pleased how ‘The Archers’ has depicted dementia and recommends you listen
- I agree with Peter says Lynne…give us supporters instead of carers!
- Peter talks about feeling ‘guilt-tripped’ about having dementia – like it is our fault!
- We will not be silenced by the threat of scammers. We’ve worked too hard to get our voices heard!
- What do you think about the Nigel storyline in Eastenders? Allison hopes he gets some peer support!
- Gail has a terrible and very upsetting experience on X (twitter)
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- “We are also doing something locally in Liverpool now with our local radio station “Radio City”
- “Delighted by headlines explaining the value of red wine – to stop the ageing process of the brain”
- “Katie Hopkin’s outrageous comments are so disrespectful to those of us living with dementia”
- “Life is so important; why should people be allowed to take their own lives?”
- “We’re so lucky to meet such an encouraging group of people”
Medication
- Jacqui responds to Allison’s diary about vivid dreams
- Peter has a terrible experience at his GP practice for his medication review
- Dory has problems with her pharmacy and missing medication… is this a scam?
- George shares some fascintaing insights into his side effects of taking Donepezil
- Peter one and Alzheimer’s nil!
- Peter shares his experience of being part of a drug trial
- George Rook talks about the importance of Managing Medication
Memory
- Maxine asks is this because I have dementia or would this happen anyway …
- Tracey’s writing group triggering memories from her nursing days
- Steve shares a very distressing memory from his Police days
- “Making sure that dementia doesn’t hold me back”
- Thought for the week No. 4: “Remember it is my short term memory, my right now memory, that is gone”
- “On bad days it’s like living in a fog”
- “If they could only live in your head for one day, they would understand the difficulties”
- “I don’t know if this is acceptance or what”
- “Music seems to reach parts of the damaged brain in ways that other forms of communication cannot”
Peer Support
- Raymond doesn’t know where the time goes when he is having fun!
- A poem from Like Minded group (introduced by Dory and read by Stacy)
- When a friendship changes. It’s not me. It’s you.
- Peter would like to see a Dementia Village in Wales as an alternative to a Care Home
- ‘My Favourite Things’ alternative lyrics – sung by Lynne
- Facing Reality -You can’t change anyone except yourself, but do stand-up for yourself while you can
- Lynne says – I’m not stupid. I have dementia.
- George says ‘that advertisment’ is causing so much damage and we have to do something about it
- Frannie starts going to a new group in her area
- I will always remember his sense of humour – he was great
- Allison says – find someone who gets it – don’t be alone or struggle alone
- Dory talks with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales about early onset dementia and the value of peer support
- A message of hope from George to Pauline Quirke and everyone else newly diagnosed with dementia
- Dory reflects on DEEP 10th Anniversary celebrations in 2022 – ‘A memory I will never forget”
- Raymond is looking forward to talking with another person with Lewy body Dementia.
- Dory and DEEP in Deeside at The Plough
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- First call to a Friendly Face and by the end of the call we were both laughing!
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- Dory reports on peer support taking great shape in North Wales
- Nigel and our 1st powerful voice (from Wales) recording for Dementia Diaries
- Dory waiting to hear what she had said in a pre-recorded interview with BBC Radio Wales!
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- When you are depressed it is a hell of a job to get back up
- We people living with dementia will challenge, we will disprupt!
- Dory announces the launch of A Friendly Face
Personal care
- A beautiful and emotionally powerful poem – ‘Will I’ by George Rook
- Raymond talks about incontinence and just not knowing when you need to go
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- Melvyn My darling wife died yesterday
- Still lots to do with awareness raising!
- How degrading is it if you have the ability and self awareness to be able to use the toilet and you are made to soil yourself in a nappy
- “Thought I would take the opportunity to do a dementia audit”
- “Whoever you are, thank you. I may well have needed your help”
- “It has now become necessary to keep the diary so I don’t forget even the most mundane of things.”
- “I can see the words but can’t say them – that’s how dementia gets you”
- “New drug, new side effects”
- “Decisions on what we have to eat, what to wear and where to go are taken away from us”
- “If I over work my head that’s when the problems start”
- “The system has got to be improved somehow”
- “Personal care requires understanding”
Policy
- Peter comments on the dismal debate in Parliament about dementia
- How do you know what it is like to live with dementia unless you listen to us?
- George says ‘that advertisment’ is causing so much damage and we have to do something about it
- Jane Garvey interviews diarist Maxine Linnell about the new Alzheimer’s Society ad. With kind permission of Times Radio.
- John why are we not playing more of a role
- Dory reports from opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Agnes reports on a terrible and distressing phone call
- Agnes says it is a very sad step back for Scotland with their Dementia Strategy
- It still surprises me the lack of involvement
- How degrading is it if you have the ability and self awareness to be able to use the toilet and you are made to soil yourself in a nappy
- So come on world, let us turns words into actions
- “I don’t think the Alzheimer’s Society is prolific enough in running down the government”
- “It’s not only us with dementia…”
- “It was just fantastic to have so many people participating and not letting anything getting them down”
- “Organisations across Liverpool can become more dementia friendly”
research
- Peter has good news and the NIHR agrees that the voices of people with dementia do count!
- George responds to the proposal to cut the budget for the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at Bradford University
- How do you know what it is like to live with dementia unless you listen to us?
- Peter does a staggering amount of activities each day to keep exercising his brain
- Just Ask Us – Poster design comments with Glenda and Ann
- Keith Oliver reporting on his care plan review and meeting with DEEP and BPS
- Steve Clifford comments on the debate at Dementia Congress
- Shelagh Robinson comments on opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Chris comments on opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Dory reports from opening debate at Dementia Congress
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Carol tells us about testing an exciting travel app
- Agnes reports from ‘Widening Spaces’ in Edinburgh ‘The new dementia widening choices for our future support’
- Peter one and Alzheimer’s nil!
- We people living with dementia will challenge, we will disprupt!
- Peter shares his experience of being part of a drug trial
- Involvement in research “It’s just rewarding to know that I will be helping my peers in the future”
- “An IQ test for dogs could help fight dementia in new scientist claim”
- “Might be too late for some of us but in the future I’m sure they’re gonna get at the bottom of it”
- Making Liverpool dementia friendly: “We don’t expect it to happen overnight – but it’s a start”
- “It’s a lovely amount of money for research even if it’s too late for me”
Rights
- Peter comments on the dismal debate in Parliament about dementia
- James has been discharged by his psychiatrist – but he’s not happy
- John why are we not playing more of a role
- A stimulating, interesting and challenging week
- How degrading is it if you have the ability and self awareness to be able to use the toilet and you are made to soil yourself in a nappy
- Nigel and our 1st powerful voice (from Wales) recording for Dementia Diaries
- We people living with dementia will challenge, we will disprupt!
- Melvyn reflecting on his diary in 2013 to 14 and how things are no better, in fact they are worse
- Dory is so sorry and angry to hear about PIP being stopped
- Wendy Mitchell talks about PIP Payments being Taken Away!
Shopping
- Margaret has a Birthday, Stockport Precinct and a man with purple hair!
- Steve and Margaret have fun out shopping (including lots of white paint, birthday cards and kindness)
- Steve talks to Dementia Friendly Iceland (shop not country!)
- Peter Berry says, People don’t know how to react, rather than talking about talk to people living with dementia!
support
- The Good Life course has broadened and eased our minds
- Joy needs your help – she is getting so stressed about scammers
- Glenda is worried about her husband – anxiety when your support is unwell
- Melvyn My darling wife died yesterday
- A stimulating, interesting and challenging week
- Agnes reports from ‘Widening Spaces’ in Edinburgh ‘The new dementia widening choices for our future support’
Travel
- A beautiful video tour of Kew Gardens from Wayne
- Wayne questions why Premier Inn wouldn’t allow early check in but had no issue with Travelodge
- Wendy Our right to get out and about
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Carol tells us about testing an exciting travel app
- Going on holiday, running 10Ks, swimming and a birthday!
- It takes a lot of guts to stand up and talk about our dementia
- Nancy shares her Berlin Adventures
- Agnes talks about the difficulties on a bad day, which turned into a good one!
- Agnes talking about the importance of good travel arrangements
Uncategorised
- Coronavirus
- “UCL wants to build a world-class dementia research center in London.”
- “The only way I reconcile with it, is just getting out and doing as many things as I possibly can.”
- “Going out is like a battle plan I have to follow.”
- “I think accurate and sensitively handled, supportive diagnosis is important.”
- “I don’t think he wanted to participate in conversation because of that stigma thing.”
- “As someone who’s got early onset Alzheimer’s, this is what I’d like others to know.”
- “We have a very positive laugh-about-it atmosphere in the house.”
- No person enjoys being laughed at, but people with dementia often enjoy laughing together. Humour is a great method of communication.
- “I feel the Mediterranean diet now is the model for me, for the rest of my life”
- “My thoughts around Robin Williams and his untimely and very sad end”
- “So nine years ago I took up yoga. Best thing I ever did”
- “Maybe we can be something that shines out as this is the way to go”.
- “Trying to challenge Public Health England”.
- “We want to stay connected to our communities and to continue to feel valued members of society”
- “The word dementia is a stigma on its own.”
- “It is still possible to undertake physical exercise and thus hold back the progression of the illness.”
- “To influence new young doctors and hopefully make them into better doctors”.
- “Really the message is simple: Don’t write us off, there’s still so much that we can do”
- “I knew what I wanted to say but just couldn’t say it”.
- “Whilst one voice is important, many voices often are more powerful.”
- “The project is about people who have just had a diagnosis and don’t have anywhere to go and talk”
- “I can see and hear what my peers are reporting about, which is very important to me”
- “The virus goes away, but unfortunately the dementia doesn’t”.
- “What I wanted to talk about is…change”.
- Podcast #2: Changing how dementia is presented in the media, & your stories of diagnosis
- “I wish time would stand still.”
- “Dementia Diaries is such a perfect resource to get the true picture of how people are living with dementia.”
- “Sometimes it is so difficult, you know what you need to do, but it’s so difficult to execute it.”
- “On that occasion when you have a good day then make the most of it.”
- “One big psychological hit to having young onset dementia is a feeling of guilt.”
- “Everyone agreed about the idea to have a fashion show”
- “To take the flu jab or not? That is the question”
- “Dementia is something that everyone fears, the same as it was cancer 20, 30, 40 years ago”.
- “So important to have a power of attorney in place before a crisis situation”.
- “Uniting Britain together under one common theme, which is to raise awareness of dementia.”
- “Gerhard Müller one of the greatest players in World Cup history has Alzheimer’s”.
- “There are things now that I can’t do. But there are things that I can do”.
- “Twitter allows you to use your brain 24/7 and helps keep it active”.
- “I’ve just been listening to all the Dementia Diary reports. It’s absolutely brilliant, and I’m so pleased to be part of it”
- “I mustn’t wallow about what I used to be able to do with time.”
- “I can imagine that people without support would face quite difficult issues and difficult times.”
- “It doesn’t matter granny, you get very muddled.”
- “Not being able to drive would be very difficult.”
- “What I would have liked to have been given with the diagnosis was hope.”
- “We met with all the people living with dementia doing fantastic things in their areas.”
- “I don’t know whether I’m coming or going”
- “Anyone talking about dementia to me should talk about it seriously”
- “These diaries increase public understanding about dementia”
- Dementia Diaries Podcast #1: Project round up
- “A quality visit provides comfort to the person with dementia.”
- “I try to keep my energy levels up, but I haven’t got any energy.”
- “So thanks to all you angels out there, dementia angels!”
- “I’m going to be delivering the keynote speech.”
- Buzzfeed: 16 Things You Didn’t Know Happened In Dementia
- “Music keeps my mind clear and gives me a clear focus everyday”
- “My hearing has been heightened almost to the point of painfulness.”
- “We have given permission for people to laugh, not at us, but with us.”
- “Visit when you want to visit, not when you think you should visit.”
- Journalism.co.uk: ‘I am not a victim’: Tips for reporting on dementia
- Sky News: John Williams makes a “dementia diary” of his life with the illness
- Sky News: Jo Bennett’s “dementia diary”
- Sky News: Dementia Research Boosted By Rise In Volunteers
- “I just hope I keep my fitness, for my wife. Because my wife needs me, and I need her!”
- “We had lots of people, and it was really, really good. We had a great time!”
- “I really have to keep my running up, because I’ve done three years and still feeling goodish.”
- “I just respect Terry Pratchett so much and how he confronted dementia.”
- “With a diagnosis of PCA comes realisation: I can no longer multitask.”
- “My Alzheimer’s doesn’t slow my art down.”
- “All of the normal triggers for Alzheimer’s don’t apply to my case.”
- “I don’t know how people talk into the phone and leave messages all the time.”
- “When you’ve got dementia you’ve got to eat the right thing as well”
- “Rushing around with the football and it’s been absolutely great!”
- Dementia symptoms and solutions as explained by Keith
- “Main thing is to approach a person with dementia by mentioning their name.”
- “People can’t seem to say what they think.”
- “My wife’s inspiring, she inspires me to get up every day.”
- “Why do you call me victim?”
- “I was totally amazed to find my voice and some pictures of me on Sky News last Friday.”
- “I’d just like to say thank you to them, and the work that they’re doing.”
- “Collaboration at its best, initiating change in the dementia field.”
- “One should never be written off.”
- “As soon as I see the headlines, I buy the paper.”
- “Being a carer for someone with dementia can be one of the longest and loneliest experiences.”
- “I’m just exhausted, and it’s a horrible feeling”
- “I wanted to talk about the changes in my sleeping pattern”
- “I was extremely anxious that my licence would be revoked”
- “I owed it to myself, my family and everyone on the roads and pavements not to drive again”
- “I decided I want to live a bit longer and enjoy life while I can”
- “How much more healthy could I be, really?”
- “It’s about time The Daily Express put up or shut up”
- “Feelings have been validated, and at last someone’s listening.”
- 2019 (Archive)
- 2017 (Archive)
- 2016 (Archive)
- 2015 (Archive)
- “It’s not as bad in Liverpool as it is everywhere else over the UK”
- “I’m the only one with dementia on the committee”
- “We had an accident with the car”
- “Patients are being abandoned because social services can’t cope”
- “I would prefer them to sort out something about the cold calls that we get”
- Thought for the week No. 8: “Please make eye contact with me before you start talking”
- “I’m really lucky to have my art because it’s the thing that keeps me going”
- “It makes me feel so sad, and it’s going to get worse”
- “It’s a terribly sad story”
- “My ability to cook is steadily diminishing”
- “I’m feeling a wee bit more fatigued”
- “Live music is absolutely brilliant, especially when you’ve got dementia”
- “I’m feeling right down at the moment”
- “There are professionals out there who really do want to help people with dementia”
- “I’m not in a bad state today, my head is not too bad, and I feel like I have a normal life”
- “When you have difficulties and issues you begin to realise how many times you cross a road”
- “We do need places that care for people, but we need places where people care”
- “It can strike anyone at any time…it has no dominion, if it’s going to come it’ll get you”
- “Sometimes when I speak, my mind wanders off in a totally random direction”
- How do the Dementia Diarists experience Call Centres?
- There’s something very wrong with society when people are forced to suffer on their own
- “Just a few things to say about my doctor’s surgery”
- “The holidays were great!”
- “Keep getting so, so muddled”
- “I think I upset my wife yesterday – I presume it’s dementia stuff”
- “If I ever need to be in a care home, I hope it would be happy, friendly place”
- Poetry: “Dementia is a strange mind game” by Kathy Dunning
- “I’d like to join this conversation about people with dementia driving”
- “Comment on the new Alzheimer’s TV ad: the more I watch it, the more I understand it”
- “Living with dementia: an uncertain diagnosis”
- “I’m having a bit of trouble getting going on my next art project”
- “Dementiaville: Service users should be treated truthfully and honestly”
- “The ‘Alzheimer’s Breakthrough’ – At one time it would have raised my hopes, now it just makes me cross”
- “It’s been absolutely tremendous that I’ve been able to express how I feel”
- “We are still the same people”
- “It was great to hear her say ‘you’re still Anne'”
- “I have no doubt that an active participation in music has kept me open to new experiences”
- “It’s a huge move forward to involve service users in designing a new facility”
- Thought for the week. No.7: “Sometimes you talk to me like i’m a child – how would you like it?”
- “When I see the new Alzheimer’s ad on TV, I have to look away”
- “I was humbled and honoured to be given an MBE for my services to dementia”
- “When you’re young, you’re invincible – I felt nothing could touch me”
- “I did much better in the local elections than I’d expected!”
- “Exercise – it’s the best thing you can do”
- “I may have dementia, but dementia does not have me”
- “It takes time to get your brain around dementia, no pun intended here”
- “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ – it’s teamwork that’s important”
- “I think it’s best to keep doing as much as possible, to keep active”
- “A few tips for people with dementia”
- Buzzfeed: 8 Inspiring Tales Of Coping With Dementia
- “I’m glad dementia gets some publicity through the media”
- “People without dementia take it for granted that they can deal with everyday things”
- “Many doctors are not dementia trained”
- “Help make exercise more enjoyable”
- “There’s a cure here, there’s a cure there, hang on for five years”
- “Together as a team, we can and we are making a difference”
- “I went to speak to a group of people at sheltered accommodation”
- “I have little notices on the front door where I go out”
- “Dementia, mental health and mental illness are different, but have things in common”
- “I seem to live in a state of constant anxiety”
- “Social security must know I’ve got dementia – they just don’t want to know”
- Thought for the week No. 6: “Please make eye contact with me before you start talking”
- “It’s about time care home standards were brought up to be more than just acceptable”
- “Poor quality care ought be recognised as a form of abuse”
- “I would quite like to have something done for our generation”
- “We watched a play which shows dementia in an amazing light”
- BBC World Service: Special Feature Dementia Diaries
- “This is the only way for me just to get out there and be read about and listened to”
- “What we’re hoping to do is bring them on board and help them develop their own groups”
- “I’m really enjoying my sessions of cognitive stimulation”
- “I don’t think a person with dementia should be taken to a psychiatric unit”
- “We are going to officially open the first slow-lane!”
- “We need to keep focused on what is important”
- Thought for the week No. 5: “Make sure that you have my message before you start blubbering away”
- “The French language is an integral part of keeping me going”
- “Applying for funding”
- “We love being away, even though I get more lost in new places”
- “My concern is that this will result in less funding”
- “They’ve opened a dementia-friendly check-out!”
- “I can see she’s tired, I can see what a strain it can be on her”
- “Did a 10K racing event in Monaco!”
- “I wonder if you could close your eyes and imagine having dementia”
- “Dementia is what we have, so why try to come up with an alternative word?”
- “It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s to wake up very early”
- “I see my Facebook friends and my virtual friends as great peer support”
- “Networking is a necessary part of keeping me alive on the campaigning trail”
- “The marbles haven’t all got that chipped that I need a talking watch”
- “Quite a lot of homes now springing up for people with dementia”
- “People will think just because they got dementia they can’t be tried”
- “I’m having to find the strength to ask for help, and this is not an easy task for me”
- ‘Life after diagnosis’: Dementia Diaries, stigma and the media
- “Everyone who is eligible should vote”
- “I was very apprehensive about going to the hospital, but I shouldn’t have worried at all”
- “I feel I have now accepted that this is my life, and feel more at ease”
- “We just want ordinary politicians who are going to do their jobs”
- “Self-managing, what does it actually mean?”
- “I know who I’m voting for; who I believe will do the best for the NHS”
- “I find it very difficult these days to stay interested in politics”
- I can’t imagine how hard it is for my wife to deal with my dementia
- “It is very important to let people know when they have done a good job”
- “Possible ways to achieve a better interaction with Health Services”
- Poetry reading: “Best Friend Defined”
- “The media can project dementia in a realistic way with an element of positivity attached to it”
- “A wee bit of peer support goes a long way”
- “Surely somebody is going to help him?”
- “The last couple weeks have been hectic”
- “We are on the road, but we are certainly nowhere near our destination”
- “Every person I’ve met in the dementia community is fantastic”
- How are ordinary people with disabilities going to cope if benefits are cut?
- “There’s no limit to what we’re capable of”
- “Why do we need new trident missiles? We haven’t got enough hospital beds”
- “Katie Hopkins, a person who has never spent time with people living with dementia, thinks she is an expert on dementia.”
- “Stop treating us as though we are all stupid”
- “It makes us both feel happy and glad that we can still enjoy time out together”
- “A nice wee thing that happened”
- “You do need somebody” – Phill and Wendy share their thoughts on living with dementia
- “Everybody hurts, we know that, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to R.E.M”
- “I’m living my life!”
- “I need a call back for my next GP appointment the day before”
- “Am I scared about the future? Yes, I probably am!”
- “In America [melatonine] is used for people with dementia. Why is it not available in this country?”
- “The condition [dementia] is not recognised as a terminal illness”
- “When you’re feeling down, go for a run!”
- “I hate respite care. I feel imprisoned and can’t get out”
- “I feel as long as I can keep my sense of humour, I can get through this”
- “Life is scattered – you’ve got to get on with life and do the best you can”
- “It’s like a darkness that comes over you, I haven’t been very good company”
- “Tibbs is a fabulous organisation, making local people sit up and take notice”
- “Show people that they could still have some quality of life and [be] able to do things”
- “You take the stress out of it straight away by pausing the programme”
- “He’s actually one of my heroes, he’s always been around me”
- “I was unable to see my grandaughter’s play, which was very frustrating”
- “You accept it, you work around it, and you get on with your life”
- “I feel like I’ve been in a place before, even though I know I haven’t”
- “I volunteered to be a paper picker”
- “Had a wonderful night last night”
- “Since I got diagnosed, I feel more on the edge to write music”
- “While shopping I can pace around for a very long time with no success and get frustrated”
- BBC Radio 5 Live: Jo Bennett discusses Dementia Diaries
- #DementiaDiaries launched on Red Nose Day feed in exclusive Twitter Takeover
- BBC Breakfast News: “Jo and Don’s story”
- VIDEO: BBC Breakfast News, “Tommy and Joyce’s story”
- BBC News: explaining the technology behind Dementia Diaries
- “I may not have enough time left to see a world without dementia, but I hope to see one that accepts it!”
- “I dread what will happen to me in the future”
- “After diagnosis my immediate response was: I don’t wish to drive anymore”
- “We need to get the message out that there is life after diagnosis”
- “If people think we can’t talk, we won’t talk”
- “Should carers be able to stay in the hospital with people with dementia?”
- “Expressing ourselves creatively seems to be much easier since being diagnosed with dementia”
- “I don’t like reading about dementia and how awful it is”
- With this project I believe we will be able to make a difference to others starting out in their journey.
- “People with young onset dementia’s needs are not being met”
- “Everything takes such a long time”
- “I just go into transit – it can happen anytime”
- “I couldn’t cope without her…she’s just magic”
- “I am still me. My brain is just misbehaving”
- “It was so important for me to know what I was dealing with”
- “Dementia is everyone’s business”
- Josie
- “Golf helps me meditate, keep fit and it’s something I can do with my wife”
- “Nursing staff have said that ‘hospitals are meat grinders that chew up dementia sufferers.’ This is so wrong”
- “Tabloid headlines that give false hope are really cruel”
- “The Daily Express is writing something about a cure. I don’t like these false hopes”
- Jo
- Peter
- Eric
- John
- Chris
- Tommy
- Gina
- Phil
- “I love ironing! I’ve always ironed my own clothes, always. Nobody else can do it better”
- “I tried to fill this form in, and understand it, and every time I appeared to get it wrong.”
- “Certain people were looking at me there and they must have thought that I was a drunk or something”
- Graham
- Cruel tabloid headlines raise hopes of Alzheimer’s cure
- Health and Social Care
- Public Perceptions
- Family and Friends
- Living With Dementia
- Daily Challenges
- Policies and Rights
Uncategorized
- Gail feels like she needs to take some time out to find herself
- A really lovely and powerful tribute to Nigel Hullah from Chris Norris
- A gorgeous gentle track from George and a Shropshire Song Thrush
- Joy is horrified that ‘The Long Goodbye’ is being aired AGAIN!
- Jacqui reads ‘When I am among the trees’ by Mary Oliver
- Jacqui reads the wonderful poem ‘Wild Geese’ by Mary Oliver
- Dory reads ‘Love After Love’ by Derek Walcott from her Shared Reading group
- Allison talks about her involvement with Dementia NI and their 10 year celebrations
- There are no Jaffa Cakes left on Joy’s new mobility scooter overnight!
- A short diary from Dory about how important it is to share our stories of dementia
- A sad diary from Melvyn as he mourns the passing of a very dear dog.
- A big welcome to new diarist Peter. In this, his first diary, he explains why he has decided to get involved.
- Stephen pays tribute to Wendy, in a diary that underlines how far her beacon shone.
- Peter’s diary challenges a number of myths about dementia. Firstly, that it’s all about memory, and secondly, that people with dementia lack insight. Peter, this is quite brilliant!
- Listen to Chris’ touching poem in memory of Wendy.
- Gail’s exploration of her emotions following Wendy’s death is fearless, raw, and beautiful.
- Alzheimer’s Society has released a new video today. Gail expresses her feelings in unequivocal terms.
- Maxine ponders the existential question of the day. But not for long.
- Gail is, strangely enough, also alive.
- Keith explains what happened when he and others in the Three Nations Dementia Working Group were consulted about the new Alzheimer’s Society video.
- Gail explains how she is living. NOT how she is dying.
- Clive’s anger at the the new Alzheimer’s Society video is loud and clear.
- Peter feels he can no longer support Alzheimer’s Society.
- George pays a moving tribute to Wendy Mitchell. This diary will resonate for so many people.
- Stephen is hoping to be on the road to recovery. We hope so too Stephen.
- Jacqui is deeply touched by a very human connection.
- Dory loses the plot on the Lost the Plot Allotment. Rhubarb, rhubarb Dory.
- Wayne snatches a moment from his walk with Carers Stepping Out to record this diary.
- Frannie underlines the power of being with others who share one’s experience.
- Stephen tells us about his visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan for the ENLIVEN project.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eyGGFqDrwdg
- Peter describes some of the changes he has experienced since his diagnosis.
- The DEEP newsletter is awaiting Raymond on his return from respite care.
- Jacqui is learning to take her time with her art.
- Melvyn’s generosity is a lovely tribute to his late wife. Beautiful.
- George is in recovery from a nasty illness, but the chiff chaffs are still chiff-chaffing. Get well soon George ….
- Jacqui describes some great support during a visit to the audiologist.
- Phew ! What a view – thanks Stephen!
- Frannie describes the wonderful watercolours session she ran for the Seaton Tramway.
- Raymond is feeling down.
- Jacqui explains why she enjoys Frannie’s watercolour classes so much.
- Raymond describes a busy week full of activity.
- Stephen shares some lovely views of the beach.
- Peter is frustrated by the rules around power of attorney.
- Jacqui is determined to do things for herself, no matter how well-intentioned the offers of help.
- A beautiful reading of Tarentella by Hilaire Belloc by Peter.
- Georges captures the growing storm beautifully, and explains why the blackbird sings as it approaches.
- A ride with the top down sets the scene for a lovely morning for Jacqui.
- Raymond is glad to read about dedicated shopping in DEEP news.
- Perhaps the weather was listening? Stephen sends us some lovely footage of his ‘free oxygen’
- Alexa is conspiring with the weather for Stephen.
- A miserable day outside but Stephen reflects on a fantastic day with family.
- Peter has mixed views on the recent news about Donanemab.
- Jacqui describes the confusion she sometimes feels when overwhelmed with information.
- The power of art to inspire us is so evident in this wonderful diary.
- Jacqui describes the groundwork she is doing for her project.
- James reflects on the physical changes he’s experienced, and how he’s adapted to them.
- Raymond describes a lovely afternoon with his group.
- A brilliant diary from Jacqui about energy management for scooters and for minds.
- Stephen is feeling better and feeling positive. “Best Time of the Year”
- In another testament to the power of peer support, Raymond describes his meeting with others with Lewy body Dementia.
- Jacqui is looking for help to research how ‘My Life My Goals’ is being used in Singapore.
- George captures the tranquility of nature is beautifully, despite the rude interruption. Listen out for the rain at the end…..
- George weaves a marvellous commentary as the birds sing their hearts out.
- New diarist Peter muses on the changes that dementia has bought to his life
- Jacqui is impressed by the doctor who conducted her recent review.
- It’s easy to underestimate how new environments and routines can impact on people with dementia, as Wayne explains in this video diary.
- Raymond’s having a pretty busy time, as he describes in his diary.
- Clearly-written information is akin to a ‘cognitive ramp’ for people with dementia…….and more people with dementia like Jacqui are starting to see access to accessible information as a right. Well-said Jacqui.
- George describes the signs of spring on his walk out with Lupin. What a wonderful diary!
- Julie makes her first diary for a while – welcome back Julie!
- “It’s lovely to get away” says Wayne from a sunny Kent.
- I think most of us would agree with Daithi’s view on what the world needs now…..
- Jacqui wonders if there is a limit to the impact of the reparation of Crown Jewels for the lives of ordinary people in South Africa.
- A beautiful day in the Brecon Beacons, but distant gunfire draws Fannie’s thoughts elsewhere.
- Stephen is very happy with his new broadband setup.
- Raymond runs through his busy week.
- George reacts to the suggestion that those like him advocating for dementia do not in fact have dementia.
- Why can’t things just be a little bit clearer?’ asks Jacqui
- Stephen finds out he has to wait HOW LONG? for a chat about his blood tests………….
- Jacqui is unhappy with the portrayal of dementia in a recent episode of ‘Doctors’
- George reflects on a conversation with the Four Amigos about living alone with dementia and accessing support. You can find the conversation in question and much more here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Q-UANADIM
- There’s no commentary, on this video diary – but join Maq as he surveys this wonderful view from his car window in Kashmir.
- Inspired by her peers to write, Julie reads her beautiful new poem.
- Another great example of being proactive and taking control from Jacqui.
- Another follow-on from Maxine’s question – here’s Larry, explaining how stigma has impacted on him over the years.
- Daithi looks forward to 2023 with hope (and a side-order of skepticism)
- Welcome to our new diarist Maxine. Maxine has a question for other people with dementia. See what her fellow-diarists think – and let us know in the comments below what you think…..
- Following on from Maxine’s question about feeling defined by her dementia…Stephen is no stranger to that
- Recorded during our weekly Dementia Diarists ZOOM – Lorraine explains the transformative impact of a friendly face….
- Back in the swing of things and Raymonds spirits are lifted. Happy New Year Raymond!
- Joy’s regrets not reading the small print…….
- An extra day in doggy daycare comes as a welcome surprise for Jacqui. OK, that sounds wrong……
- George’s description of the flora and fauna he encounters on his walk is an absolute delight.
- Christmas was a tough one for Raymond this year…….
- As technology becomes more and more part of our daily lives – an important reminder from Larry about the need to keep it up to date.
- Happy New Year to you too Joy…..and here’s to more good days X
- Lots of Diarists have been involved in making this love-letter to DEEP and to the friendship between people with dementia. It’s called ‘I’ve Got You’ and we’d love you to watch it….
- I’m a person with dementia, get me out of here…..Joy’s last experience of hospital was far from ideal.
- Paul dishes out some punishment to an intruder in his home. That’ll show him Paul…..
- What have they done to Lorraine’s internet connection?
- MAQ introduces the newest member of his family. A big Dementia Diaries welcome to Yaqub.
- Frances description of her experiences in A and E paints a grim picture of the state of our NHS.
- After a difficult few weeks Stephen is feeling more upbeat.
- Not your average awareness-raising about dementia. No surprise there then.
- Things are not going so well for Stephen at the moment.
- A really busy week for Raymond!
- As the days get shorter it’s important to keep the brain active. Take some advice from Graeme about effective brain health. Another classic.
- Jacqui gives a great example of how to ask for and give help.
- Stephen’s having a bad time with his COPD.
- New bedding seems to have been the solution to Jacqui’s sleep problems.
- At the point of diagnosis, Larry would have found it hard to believe that ten years later he’d be doing a new job in a new language.
- A new health concern is worrying Stephen.
- Jacqui is feeling left out by Dementia Congress.
- Stephen has spotted an attempt to hack his social media profile. Well-spotted mate!
- “Dementia doesn’t take away the essence of Jacqui” Brilliantly put Jacqui…I’d like to see it try.
- At this weeks dementia diarists zoom meeting we discussed the issue of trauma. There is strong evidence to suggest a connection between early trauma and dementia. In this diary Stephen reflects upon that conversation and wonders how his own experience of trauma may have played a role in his dementia.
- Jacqui is full of praise for the Passenger Assist Service at Northern Rail. Isn’t it great when things just work….?
- We had a really good discussion about sleep problems at our Dementia Diarists ZOOM this week. Here’s Wayne, explaining how he thinks lack of sleep might be affecting him. How about you – do you have problems sleeping?
- Jacqui reports from the Bradford DEEP celebration. Sounds like a great event Jacqui !
- Raymond’s been having a busy time!
- Chris has a marvellous voice, which is why he’s one of the voices behind the audio version of ‘Our DEEP News’. We’ve cheekily borrowed a segment from the latest edition at Chris’ suggestion as it really makes for a wonderful diary. Listen to Chris describe his long-held ambition to talk to the Queen. Did he make it? Listen here to find out.
- Daithi finally gets to meet face to face with some good friends.
- Dory just has one of those voices. Let it transport you to a strange and fantastical place with this wonderful little story.
- No apologies for posting more from Stephen as he thanks his fellow diarists for all their support.
- Steve is uplifted by his recent news. So are we Stephen X
- After months of stress and worry Stephen has some good news.
- We always say that diaries are real and raw. This diary is a perfect example. Last week Stephen gave us a glimpse behind the veil, behind the public face that people with dementia sometimes employ. George now shows us a little of what a bad day can look like. This is another extremely courageous diary George, thank you so much.
- “I don’t know how people live here” a striking contrast to George’s usual pastoral setting.
- Asking for help and telling people what you need can be really hard, but is vital when one has dementia, as Jacqui explains.
- Things need more planning as we get older, as Raymond explains.
- The face that people with dementia feel they need to present to the world can mask all manner of things. This is one of Stephen’s longer videos as part of his long-running series on living with vascular dementia. It’s well worth a listen and will resonate with many people, including those without dementia.
- The power of music to bring people together is illustrated in this great diary from Steve.
- James has concerns that the lack of background checks for some volunteers might provide cover for scammers.
- What a great video diary from Wayne as he takes part in a ‘Stepping out’ at Kearnsey Park.
- Wayne has been part of a team producing this new guide to dementia. Great work Wayne!
- Stephen is shocked that it’s his birthday. We know the feeling Stephen xhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22HHZejesE
- A call to the DWP leaves Jacqui in a spin.
- If Chris’ hair looks a little more spiky than usual, here’s why……
- Wayne feels like things are closing down again…….
- “Dementia doesn’t know how to get here” says Wayne as he explores the garden of England.
- A lovely diary from Godinton Gardens from Wayne. “Another world”
- Jacqui wonders how best to gently remind friends that she has dementia.
- Doggy care has mixed blessings for Jacqui.
- Stephen enjoys some free oxygen on his birthday. Happy Birthday Stephen X
- George describes the scene around him as the seasons change in another fabulous diary.
- Raymond has been enjoying his DEEP newsletter – especially the article by Roy, which you can find on page 3 here: https://bit.ly/3eCU2oH (copy and past into your web browser)
- Graeme expresses his feelings about the Mini Mental Test as only he can. Brilliant !
- A lack of social skills is sometimes excusable, as Steve discovers.
- There’s never been a better time to be reminded that, as Daithi says, “angels are everywhere”. Get well soon Daithi X
- Ever wondered how to improve your communication skills by doing absolutely nothing? James has some good words of advice.
- Raymond has been enjoying his groups, but is not looking forward to a boring weekend.
- No-one should feel unsafe or scared says Steve. Unfortunately that’s not the reality for many, as he explains.
- While he awaits news of his daughter’s housing situation, Stephen takes in some more free oxygen.
- Blimey Frances! ‘Old lunatic out for a walk’ is how Frances headed this diary. Hear for yourself…….
- One imagines that Steve’s wasn’t a doorbell that was rung again in a hurry.
- Be transported to the North Shropshire fields AND learn about harvesting at the same time. Thanks George – a lovely diary.
- Jacqui is always spot-on when it comes to pointing out the little things that can make a huge difference for people with dementia, and this is no exception. Very well-said Jacqui.
- Stephen reflects on the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
- Far from an avid royalist, Wayne reflects on the sense of loss he feels with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This will resonate with many people…..
- Raymond is back from Blackpool and looing forward to reading his DEEP news.
- It’s getting hot – and so, so dry as Stephen explains.
- Here’s Graeme’s introduction to another of his wonderful songs…”Some dementia statistics, as of several years ago when the song was written, and how to advocate for the cause.”
- No words, but plenty to take in in this great video from Stephen.
- What an amazing introduction from Graeme. Welcome to the Dementia Diaries family X
- Stephen gives his review of the Euro 2022 final.
- George’s diary is a stark reminder of the rapid changes we are experiencing in our climate.
- Nobody wants a wobbly cellist, as Steve recalls.
- Lorraine is trying out a new piece of kit.
- It’s a brave man that gets between Steve and his chips. Luckily Steve’s in forgiving mood.
- Like all of us Chris is looking to cut costs, and it’s baked beans in his sights today. You need some new glasses Chris !
- Jacqui’s discovered recipe boxes and is delighted. A big thumbs-up for the clarity of instructions too – which meant that Jacqui and her friend were able to cook together.
- Jacqui is feeling in control. What a fabulous diary.
- Stephen is characteristically resilient in the face of a very difficult week
- Lorraine enjoys the sunshine in her garden in the company of a flock of starlings – what a fabulous racket !
- Jacqui finds the Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting is one of the few where she can be herself.
- It’s great to hear that Jacqui’s mood has lifted, and what she’s been doing with her newfound energy.
- An insightful and atmospheric recording from Wayne as the weather breaks.
- Stephen has had some really sad news. So sorry Stephen X
- Steve recalls a gruesome encounter from his days on the police force. Warning – some may find this dairy upsetting.
- Locals in Cornwall are being squeezed out of housing by second-home ownership and a boom in holiday rentals, as Stephen explains.
- Muscly men with their shirts off. Wayne brings us another first for Dementia Dairies in his video report from Chatham Carnival.
- Lorraine is enjoying a lovely picnic with her family in London.
- Raymond has been busy meeting up with his groups in Oldham.
- Francis and her art group enjoy the shade and a feast for the senses at a kitchen garden. What a delight.
- Jacqui wonders why the payment of expenses to people with dementia needs to be so complicated.
- Wayne is standing in the rain, and loving it.
- Reflecting on our DEEPER conversation earlier this week, George ponders the meaning of letting go.
- In this touching diary Keith says goodbye and relives some memories of a dear friend. We’re so sorry for your loss Keith. X
- Stephen’s feeling the heat.
- Jacqui reports on an unhappy and humiliating experience whilst shopping.
- I’ve uploaded thousands of diaries over the last few years, and never been stuck for a caption. Until now. Any suggestions?
- Many of us are finding it hard to get back to normal after lockdown. Even things which ought to be pleasurable can suddenly become a challenge, especially for people coping with dementia as well. This comes through very clearly in Raymond’s diary. We hope you have a lovely time Raymond, even if it seems a little daunting at first.
- Jacqui is exhuberant at her hard-fought freedom. Well done Jacqui X
- Frances and Barrow celebrate their anniversary in terrifying style. Best wishes to you both X
- Jacqui reminds us of the need to give people with dementia good warning of changes.
- A lovely message from Keith on the relaunch of dementia diaries
- Get your pink love beams here………thanks Daithi X
- The Platinum Jubilee brought back memories for Steve. Lovely diary.
- Steve’s problems with DVLA are sadly typical.
- A great welcome to Dementia Diaries from Stephen – who’s thankfully feeling a lot better after COVID
- Stephen reflects on the role of the Dementia Diaries family in his life
- Wonderful and wise words from Keith about the importance of valuing ourselves.
- Like many people with dementia, James finds technology can help keep track of his thinking.
- James reminds us of the importance of being clear in our communication.
- Clive is transported back to the late 60’s, and is tired but very happy.
- Raymond can’t wait to get back to normal after a stay in hospital.
- Has summer arrived? Don’t say it Wayne !
- James tackles a hairy headphone horror.
- Keith has had a glorious week spreading the word and meeting face to face with friends old and new. Great work Keith.
- Dudley explains what he’s been dealing with.
- Jacqui reflects on a big move in her life.
- A big welcome back to Jim in his first diary for two years.
- Listen to Wayne’s exhuberant diary from the London Olympic Velodrome
- Keith reports on the Alzheimers Disease International conference and his work with IDEAL.
- Tommy explains why Dementia Diaries is so important to him.
- James explains how dementia affects his reading.
- Stephen reports on a great meeting and some new faces.
- Frances rejoices in the fresh air and the chance to make her diaries once more.
- Clive’s experience puts the UK’s health crisis into sharp relief.
- Clive’s looking forward to a break in Liverpool.
- Larry explains why the Diarists ZOOM Group works so well for him.
- “I ask for a happy heart” sings Lyn in this glorious version of Calon Lan, introduced by our very own Dory. Fab!
- Listen to George’s elegant articulation of the purpose and power of Dementia Diaries.
- Wayne’s at the preperations for a Jubilee celebration in Rochester.
- Keith considers the issue of loyalty in this wonderful diary.
- “It’s happening for me”. What a joyous and affirmative diary from Daithi. So glad for you Daith.
- Stephen is shaken but relieved by a narrow escape in the family.
- Stephen is looking forward to getting out, but still very wary of the crowds.
- Larry raises important questions about the relationship between dementia organisations and people with dementia. This should be required listening for all dementia organisations. ARE we really listening?
- Martin reflects on heatwave, or rather the lack thereof. This diary is read by Steve.
- James wonders about the reach of large dementia charities.
- After a life of graft, Stephen still enjoys watching heavy plant at work. Good old You Tube!
- Stephen has been missing the thing that keeps him going. Family.
- “It shows dementia as it is” Listen to Keiths thoughtful, touching and deeply personal review of Supernova.
- Stephen describes his first experience of a home covid test.
- The heat is getting too much for Stephen.
- “Just a little tweak” makes all the difference in the support from Jacqui’s physio.
- It’s hot, hot, hot as Stephen takes to flip flops.
- A lovely visit to a community cafe for Jacqui and a friend.
- They are running short of staff in shops and cafes says Stephen.
- For Stephen it’s family that keeps him going, and he couldn’t be more proud.
- Stephen describes the scene in Padstow, which was worse than he suspected.
- Jacqui makes a plea for better communication.
- A warm welcome to new diarist Dudley, who introduces himself in this, his first diary.
- Stephen looks forward to a lovely day in Padstow.
- Wayne was very moved by Supernova. Listen to this lovely review.
- A pint of shandy, a phone upgrade and the return of his regular carer find Stephen in buoyant mood.
- Jacqui looks for inspiration in her childhood memories of the ocean. This is lovely.
- Stephen is appalled by the behaviour of some England fans.
- Wayne has just seen the new film Supernova. A full review is coming, but here are his initial thoughts.
- Stephen is so proud of his daughter and granddaughters.
- Gail is relaxing after a wonderful but unusually exhausting day.
- Listen to Stephen’s reaction to the first DEEP-er Conversation
- Keith feels like things are just starting to get back to normal.
- Gail discusses the difference finding DEEP made to her life.
- Stephen reflects on what he is learning about poverty
- Clive is alarmed by the announcement of the rapid lifting of restrictions.
- Keith wonders if anyone else is having problems with teeth grinding at night.
- Listen to Gail’s review of The Father.
- Stephen has taken a brave step, and reaped the reward. Well done Stephen X
- Gail, exhausted by meetings has decided to focus on her own needs. Quite right too Gail.
- Wise words from Howard as he muses on the weather.
- A nasty bout of food poisoning has laid Stephen low.
- Joy is gobsmacked,…and deservedly so. What an amazing difference Joy makes X
- Stephen looks forward to more ‘free oxygen’ but is still keen to try and avoid too many people.
- James wonders about ‘reminiscence rooms’ . The odd sound on the Diarists answerphone service has been sorted out by the way – thanks to James.
- Jacqui continues her joyous exploration of Southport.
- Stephen is supporting a friend in his own struggles.
- James has good questions on the storage of important personal medications in hospital.
- Jacqui is delighted by the accessibility of the natural spaces around Southport.
- James feels that hospitals should make it easier to give anonymous feedback.
- Stephen is being encouraged to spend more time outside.
- Back at Sandpipers Jacqui is enjoying exploring the local area.
- After his day in the Big Smoke Wayne balances out his lungs with a day in the country.
- “You forget all your worries” ….a wonderful diary by the river from Clive.
- It’s Wayne’s birthday 37 floors up. Wow!
- Clive is brutally honest on his thoughts about dying. He asks if anyone else with dementia has any thoughts on handling this….
- “The world has changed”. Stephen is in reflective mood.
- Paul is heading into town for a very welcome face to face with his DEEP Group.
- It’s lovely to find places to be able to unwind amid the hubbub. Clive records a lovely diary in the calming atmosphere of the weir.
- An outbreak of COVID in his local primary school puts Stephen on his guard
- Jacqui, armed with a new suitcase can’t wait to get back to Sandpipers.
- ‘One of those days’ doesn’t really cover it, eh Chris?
- Raymond has spend some lovely time with his grandchildren.
- Listen to Clive’s excellent review of The Father.
- Joy has recorded a thoughtful and insightful review of The Father.
- Gail has some wise words for those around people with dementia.
- Stephen is so proud of his daughter and granddaughters. This is so lovely.
- Another watery and poetic diary, this time from Dory as she sits by the river.
- Watch Chris’ excellent review of The Father.
- You can hear how windy it is in parts on this lovely beach recording from Gail.
- Chris has recorded a lovely dawn chorus – the roaring in the background is the ocean – wonderful.
- Stephen finally gets news about his heart from his GP.
- Keith has mixed views on The Father, which he expresses beautifully, and, of course, poetically.
- A message to all our Diarists.
- Stephen is laid up with nasty headaches.Get well soon Stephen.
- James has nailed the spelling – Zoomeyetis.
- James reflects on the need to stay healthy whilst Zooming.
- Clive’s Grandson has introduced him to virtual reality. Clive is awestruck.
- Julie found ‘The Father’ wonderful and moving, though, again, so so hard to watch.
- Wayne reminds us that the focus on memory in ‘The Father’ is not everyone’s experience.
- Wayne’s has a mostly positive reaction to ‘The Father’. He makes great point about the role of others in making the situation worse for someone with dementia.
- Hard to watch as it was, Bill found much to admire in ‘the Father’.
- Stephen is amazed how good kids are with technology.
- This is a lovely diary recorded at 6am at the beach with Gail and her dogs.
- Lorraine’s immediate response to ‘The Father’ is very powerful.
- Listen to Dory’s thoughtful and beautiful take on ‘The Father’.
- The latest from our correspondent in Cornwall as the G7 hots up.
- There’s plenty to keep Glenda busy, not least the polytunnel.
- Joy’s thinking she should have stayed home.
- Clive’s been having a bad few days.
- A Dementia Day outside the Houses of Parliament is the only way forward says Melvyn.
- Some free oxygen followed by bowling and tennis. Perfect.
- James wonders whether support might be withdrawn for people with dementia who ‘seem’ to be coping.
- The competence of people with dementia can give the impression that there is no struggle below the surface. An excellent point from James
- James coins a new term, ZOOM-eyes.
- Lots of towns and villages are rammed, so Stephen’s glad to be at home.
- A lovely report on the state of play n the garden from Melvyn.
- The warmer weather is making it easier for Clive to get out and about.
- As Cornwall fills up, Stephen hopes that enough have been vaccinated to protect everybody.
- A lovely family visit has Raymond proud as punch.
- A rousing call to action from Melvyn.
- It’s windy but warm, and Stephen is resting inside ahead of a busy day tomorrow.
- Lorraine has some great news on her driving assessment. Brilliant !!
- Gails striking description of auditory overload doesn’t make for comfortable listening. The contrast between her 2 diaries this week is very telling.
- Stephen’s family are helping him to take his mind off the loss of his friend.
- Join Gail very early one morning and soak up the beauty. “What could be a better way to start the day?” Indeed.
- Tina Turner brings it all back for Dory.
- Stephen reflects on the death of his old friend.
- Julie reflects on the fourth anniversary of her diagnosis, and her ‘third career’ as a dementia activist. This is inspirational stuff Julie.
- Stephen has had some really bad news about a friend.
- James describes his difficulties getting to see a doctor.
- Wayne’s exuberance at being out again is infectious.
- The political events of this week find Melvyn with revolution on his mind….and a lovely report on the state of play in the garden, and Ratty continues to evade him.
- Stephen is feeling a lot better and things are looking up.
- The poets from the Time and Place project are moving on to explore other arts forms together. This is a wonderful testament to the creativity and potential of people with dementia working together.
- James thinks ‘Zero Points’ might be a little unfair.
- Stephen is back in the saddle again, with lots of ZOOM meetings this week.
- A platform for projects BY people with dementia is crucial, as Keith explains.
- Jacqui describes a wonderful break at Sandpipers in Stockport.
- “Family is the best” – Stephen finds a real pick-me-up in the company of family.
- Despite the APPALLING weather, Raymond has been keeping busy.
- Joy describes the ‘dawn raucous’ that greets her every morning. Lovely diary Joy.
- Stephen wonders whether his strange symptoms may been connected to his jab.
- James realises how dependent he has become on electricity.
- In this lovely diary Chris updates us on developments in the Sea DEEP group, and the kindness and support they have received from their local community.
- Chris has to be creative to get the bargain he was promised.
- Run! Daithi’s got a gun………
- Oh no! Back safely home Keith describes what happened on his walk. Blimey Keith !!!
- Get lost with Keith on this countryside ramble. You need to watch part 2 to see what happened.
- Wayne puts his best foot forward on the day lockdown eases. The joy in Wayne’s voice at being out again is infectious.
- Stephen is getting bad toothache and swelling.
- Gail takes us on a lovely walk in the park in her first video diary.
- Clive looks forward to things getting busier, albeit with a little apprehension.
- “I’m never going to give up” Stephen vows to keep fighting against the challenges life throws at him.
- Christine couldn’t sleep so recorded this wonderful dawn chorus. The sound you hear in the background is the sea. Wowsers!
- Stephen has a feeling the Indian variant is likely to lead us into another lockdown.
- Gail realises that there’s a missing link in her relationship with others through DEEP.
- Stephen is rightly impressed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. He’s working with them on a project about poverty.
- Wayne makes an outdoor group diary with a friend from Tasmania.
- Paul explains why he enjoys his virtual meetings with his friends with dementia.
- Stephen is finding it difficult not to feel apprehensive about his upcoming ultrasound.
- For Agnes, the company of friends is welcome relief from the challenges of the written word.
- Raymond had a lovely week in Blackpool. Very well-deserved too Raymond.
- Stephen has a busy week ahead of him.
- Paul is looking forward to Dementia Action Week.
- The reed warblers are even louder today. This is a lovely diary from George.
- Stephen is so proud of his family.
- Want to hear reed warblers going bananas? This is the diary for you. George explains why they are singing so enthusiastically.
- Gail’s had her second jab. Fair play to Gail for making this diary with such a sore throat, and you’ll all be glad to hear that Gail is feeling much better today.
- Stephen isn’t sure whether he recognises the person staring back at him from his screen when he makes a video diary.
- Stephen explains what he has been told by his GP, and why it has hit him so hard.
- Teresa is slightly gobsmacked at the suggestion that she shouldn’t vote because of her dementia. Quite right too, people with dementia have every right to vote.
- Jacqui is going to be Revitalised and she’s very excited. Have a lovely time!
- Howard recalls the difference Dementia Diaries made to him after his diagnosis.
- Paul has been in the studio working on the DEEP Symphony.
- Stephen knows he needs to be careful not to get stressed.
- Raymond has been really enjoying his meetings, and is off to Blackpool!
- “It hit me like a freight train” Stephen responds to what the latest news on his health.
- Back to normal? Not for many people with dementia as Howard reminds us.
- Chris is really pleased to have met some fellow diarists, especially Clive, who can help him with his plans to become a beekeeper.
- Stephen is really pleased with his new GP, and feels well-looked and hopeful.
- Stephen looks forward anxiously to his doctors appointment.
- Stephen feels a change in the weather.
- The next day, the breathing is not getting any easier and Stephen’s COPD continues to flare up.
- Stephen’s breathing a bit easier today.
- Agnes is excited to be meeting up with her son and daughter. There’s a lot for her to organise though….
- Clive’s having a bit of a fuzzy head day.
- Glenda has been having great fun working on a dance production on ZOOM. We want to see those moves Glenda!
- Raymond is learning some breathing exercises to help with anxiety.
- After a few stressful trips out, Clive’s enjoyed a relaxing visit to the river Severn.
- Some good advice on body language and its importance in communication.
- Lorraine has a birthday visit to her childhood park in the East End. What a lovely diary.
- George meets a host of flora and fauna on this bracing spring walk. This is 20 minutes of fresh air. Beautiful.
- In this extended diary Chris describes her recent driving assessment. This will be of interest to a lot of people with dementia.
- After a long time in lockdown, Wayne’s senses are working overtime.
- A big Dementia Diaries welcome to Chris!
- Stephen worries about the safety of public spaces as we come out of lockdown.
- Stephen tries not to interrupt the birds. This is lovely.
- Stephen is not optimistic that he’ll find a treatment for his COPD.
- Stephen recounts a disturbing dream.
- It’s all about family for Stephen in this lovely video diary
- Gail is finding the world a noisy place after the peace of lockdown..
- James makes a case for evening meetings.
- James can’t remember the last time he bought anything with cash.
- James thinks that people should look beyond the big national dementia organisations when seeking the voices of people with dementia.
- James doesn’t like to be referred to as a ‘burden’ , and who shall blame him?
- A lovely report from Glenda, who is well despite her bad reaction to the jab.
- Clive is trying to support a friend who is struggling with the care system.
- Unsurprisingly, Jacqui is frustrated by not being listened to.
- Melvyn pulls no punches, “democracy in this country is null and void”. Strong feelings powerfully expressed.
- Raymond has enjoyed being busy. It sounds like things are looking up.
- It’s wall to wall sunshine in Cornwall. Stephen’s happy with that. He’s worried about the prospect of another lockdown.
- Stephen is looking forward to his meeting with Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
- Stephen explains why he thinks he does so many of his diaries in bed.
- Stephen is much relieved that his stair lift is being sorted.
- Stephen is elated after a lovely reunion with his grand-daughters.
- Stephen is looking forward to seeing his grand-daughters, but worries about people’s response to coming out of lockdown.
- Early morning, just Stephen and the birds. Lovely.
- James has an idea why his long terms memory is improving.
- Clive is being internationally acclaimed. Well, his shoulder is anyway.
- Raymond is looking forward to meeting his friends in the park.
- Melvyn takes such pleasure in the joy his garden brings to others.
- Melvyn gives a fantastic report on the comings and goings of flora and fauna in his garden. This is FAB.
- James wonders how long consent lasts for when someone has a progressive condition.
- Clive hopes that groups continue to meet on ZOOM as we head out of lockdown.
- James wonders about the the support for people with dementia having an operation.
- Clive reflects on the importance of WHO a person IS, rather than WHAT conditions they have. Well said.
- Keith explains the criteria he uses for deciding when to get involved. Great advice as we head into a “hybrid normal”
- The weather can’t make up it’s mind for Raymond.
- James reflects on the difference between ‘celebration’ and ‘commemorate’.
- A Liverpool win against the Gunners is the topping on a good day for Clive.
- Clive reflects on how his values have changed. What thoughtful and touching diary.
- James has some amazing questions running through his mind.
- Dory has made an amazing discovery which really helps her reading. Brilliant Dory – thanks for sharing!
- Dory describes an exciting new project with the National Archive
- Lorraine’s description of her day out in the park is truly joyous.
- A nuthatch and blackcaps join George on another glorious walk.
- George tries to evade the biting cold wind as he describes what he hears around him. Wither the willow-warbler he wonders….
- Join George as he encourages us to learn to identify the beautiful songs of the birds around us.
- Gail is reminded not to take on too many ZOOM calls.
- Join Keith as he takes us for a lovely walk in the spring sunshine.
- What an absolutely beautiful day. This is joyous.
- Stephen is taking some well-deserved relaxation in the warmth of a spring evening.
- Stephen reflects on his day with the help of a psychedelic lightshow
- Clive hopes that ZOOM meetings will continue after we come out of lockdown. We’ll certainly keep the Dementia Diaries ZOOM Clive!
- James reflects on the sanctuary of the mothers voice for those with advanced dementia.
- James wonders how many people keep their jobs following a diagnosis.
- Clive wonders how he’s going to resocialise as we come out of lockdown.
- Raymond is looking forward to the Dementia Diarists ZOOM
- A busy schedule has kept Glenda from making diaries, so this is a welcome return. Glenda is making fantastic progress with her poly tunnel.
- Jacqui has had a lucky escape after a fall. Phew!
- Clive’s having a few quiet days and is appreciating being in from the cold.
- James is trying to relearn a lost talent.
- Like many, Jacqui assumed that a diagnosis meant giving things up. How wrong could she have been?
- Raymond feels that things are getting better, and is looking forward to being reunited with his grandchildren.
- James thinks he may have discovered a new ailment. Ouch, he might be right.
- James wonders if helplines are busy supporting people worried they may have dementia but unable to get a diagnosis.
- In this extended diary Gail reflects on living with dementia in a year of lockdown. This is also the story of how people with dementia have come together to support each other during this strange time.
- A bittersweet day for Clive stirs strong memories. A beautiful diary.
- Raymond talks about the dementia diarists ZOOM meeting.
- “Once you get it right for people with dementia, you get it right for everyone” well-said James
- Clive reflects upon the depth of his friendship with fellow dementia diarists.
- Disruptions and mishaps haven’t dampened Melvyn’s spirits, who is delighted with the increasing signs of spring.
- Raymond reports on his day from a chilly Oldham.
- A visit to the hives brings back lovely memories for Clive. A wonderful diary,
- “What is the one thing I wish other people knew about my experience of dementia?” asks Keith.
- A great reminder from James about the importance of reminders.
- James on the creative powers of people with dementia.
- James wonders about the quality of dementia training and wonders if there should be a national standard.
- James on some of the challenges of public speaking as a person with dementia
- James speaks about the issue of the language used to describe dementia.
- James wonders how children might paint their impression of a person with dementia.
- James is sporting a new haircut.
- Agnes worries about the impact of being locked down on her immune system.
- Stephen is experiencing a lot of pain, and feels he will have to step up his pain relief.
- Stephen is feeling very well looked after.
- The sciatica isn’t improving, and nor is the weather.
- Calls from his sister and daughter brightens a long weekend.
- Stephen’s sciatica is really debilitating at the moment. He might have to make a few changes.
- Allison explains how difficult lockdown is feeling for her in Northern Ireland.
- Wayne is overjoyed to be outside in the sun. Fabulous.
- Frances remains alive despite the best efforts of her dog, and much to the disappointment of some over-eager onlookers.
- Dory wonders why people with dementia can’t donate blood…
- Dory’s been super busy at “lost the plot’ and is relaxing with a bit of rugby
- Sticks and Stones? In this brilliant diary Keith explores the importance of words like demented.
- Gail’s powerful poem addressed the need for people with dementia to stay connected during lockdown.
- In this joyous diary we join Lorraine in Capstone park. It’s a lovely soundscape.
- Beautiful weather is putting a smile on Stephen’s face in this video diary.
- Post-diagnostic support is much improved. But what to do if it is terrifying?
- James wonders if he is a zombie considering the fact that his life with dementia has been so much longer than he was led to believe it would be.
- James wonders about the safety of driving whilst in shock.
- James wonders if it’s rude to eat while ZOOMing. What do you think people?
- James raises a very good question about MCI and driving.
- Clive sticks up for his rights and gets it sorted. Good work !
- Raymond reports from as sunny Oldham
- Julie describes her first foray into town for a long time. She also has some excellent advice on the safety of the covid vaccine.
- Clive’s been dealt a bit of blow by a letter he’s received.
- James wonders if dying peacefully in ones sleep is all it’s cracked up to be.
- James is concerned for the welfare of those who have been unable to get a diagnosis during COVID.
- The birds are sufferings, the mice too, but Ratty is unscathed.
- He might be coming out of shielding soon, but Stephen will remain cautious.
- A great ZOOM meetings and a run of sunny weather has lifted Stephen’s spirits.
- Stephen will never forget his Mum.
- James description of his walking style is a delight.
- Stephen ponders these “strange days”.
- Stephen is alarmed to wake up with what he thinks might be a delayed reaction to his jab.
- Stephen is getting frustrated trying to get his stairlift sorted.
- Gail describes the benefits of blogging despite some of the problems she is having with writing. Anyone know a voice recognition system that understands Lanky?
- In this beautiful diary, Gail describes a very special moment, well two in fact.
- Frances suspects a plot is afoot. Or should that be afeet? All 4 of them.
- In this video diary, Stephen explains he’s been feeling a bit rough.
- Good advice from James about running a meeting.
- Jacqui feels good about taking control of her health and fitness.
- Being in the company other other people with dementia is important, but so is integration in wider community says James.
- Stephen’s experiencing trouble remembering everyday words. Being Stephen, he’s philosophical about it though.
- Raymond really enjoyed the diarists ZOOM. We really enjoyed having you there Raymond!
- James reflects on some of the issues involved in paying people with dementia for their involvement.
- Stephen loves his ZOOM meetings but is longing to meet people face to face again.
- Clive misses giving talks . We’ll have to see what we can do about that Clive.
- This is wonderful. James reads a brilliant little section of one of his songs. Not for the faint-hearted.
- Stephen is full of praise for his carers. This diary will also make you hungry if you’ve not eaten. Or perhaps even if you have.
- Clive recounts a lovely walk in Shropshire. Hope the headache shifts for you though Clive.
- James finds he is struggling to understand accents.
- It’s a lovely day in Cornwall, but Stephen’s dementia is playing up today.
- Jacqui is looking forward to some Jacqui-time. Hope you enjoy it Jacqui.
- James feels like he needs a holiday away from screens. Can we come with you James?
- The arrival of a new TV lifts Stephen’s spirits.
- A chiff-chaff tells George that spring is coming.
- George takes us on a glorious tramp through North Shropshire as spring beckons. This is a very long, but very rewarding diary.
- Keith’s struggling to get support in hospital. Let’s hope you are out soon Keith X
- Stephen’s had a good day of chat, food and free oxygen.
- Stephen’s surprised and pleased to see he’s lost a bit more weight.
- Stephen was knocked for six by the Oxford vaccine.
- A beautiful reminder not to take for granted the everyday wonder all around us.
- Clive finds physio works better over video than over the ‘phone.
- It was great to see Raymond at this weeks Diarists ZOOM. In this diary he reports on a busy week.
- James finds a silver lining in those he has got to know during lockdown
- James wonders if his cataract operation will help him to recognise people more easily..
- James wonders about the issue of consent for COVID jabs for people with advanced dementia.
- James wonders why hospitals are getting colder.
- Clive knows it’s the right move, but is not without regret as he says goodbye to his power tools.
- We cannot survive unless we cherish the interconnections upon which we all depend. Well said Tommy.
- People with dementia have borne the brunt of COVID19. Tommy’s heart goes out to care home residents.
- James thinks there’s a case for making bells mandatory on bicycles.
- James wonders if he expects too much of himself.
- James wonders about the long-term effects of ZOOMing all day long.
- “It’s the loneliness that people don’t see” John explains how hard the pandemic has been for him.
- James wonders if those waiting for a diagnosis should be encouraged to join DEEP groups.
- James wonders about the impact of dementia and COVID19 on relationships.
- Stephen is feeling like we are on the verge of coming out lockdown, and a long and lonely winter.
- Bill’s dementia is being exacerbated by isolation and lockdown. Hope things get better for you soon Bill X
- Stephen’s really feeling the side effects of his Covid jab.
- Frances’ beautiful diary reminds us all it won’t be long before spring.
- Lockdown has helped James realise why he used to get backache. Bingo!
- Clive describes the frustration of losing things. Damn those wellies.
- Oldham feels like a ghost town says Raymond.
- In this lovely diary Clive describes a visit to his former bees.
- An important reminder from James about the importance of diagnosis.
- James makes a good case for informal chat time before ZOOM meetings start. We’ll try that next week James.
- Fear of needles and the hidden dangers of solvents are just two of the things on James’ mind today.
- James talks about confabulation, something many people will recognise.
- There are way too many phones in Jacqui’s life.
- Raymond’s internet is back, so he’s been exercising online.
- Melvyn has been getting some help to deal with his chest troubles.
- Melvyn provides an update on his campaign against Ratty…and time for a woman to lead the opposition…..to the government of course, not Ratty.
- Memories of long ago are coming much easier than those of yesterday for James at the moment.
- Joy wonders if it’s just her climbing the walls.
- Agnes is relieved to have had her jab, despite the side-effects.
- Raymond is a bit down in the dumps, not helped by his internet being down.
- Stephen is full of praise for the care he received while having his jab.
- Stephen’s reminded of the old song “Things Can Only Get Better”
- Spring is round the corner says Stephen after a great bit of weather (for a change).
- Stephen’s feeling a bit low. This lockdown is grinding on. Strange days.
- Stephen’s carer has sorted out his jabs. He’s delighted with her.
- Dory sends a report from “Lost the Plot”. Sounds lovely X.
- Gail describes a really frustrating day, but got through with a little help from Hubby.
- Gail feels it is important to talk about bad as well as good days. Quite right too!
- Chris sends us a beautiful recording of birdsong. But which bird? George, can you help?
- George is feeling rather powerless in the face of the losses caused by dementia.
- “You just have to stay connected” – wise words from Stephen in this video diary.
- In this touching diary, Keith describes how he explains dementia to his grand-daughter.
- Stephen has been able to get out out today for some of his precious ‘free oxygen’.
- Stephen has been told to shield for another 3 weeks, and is not feeling great.
- Co-production is key in working with people with dementia, and trust is earned, as Julie explains.
- It was really great to see Raymond at the diarists ZOOM this week.
- James raises a very important question about those who may have developed dementia during COVID.
- James feels his horizons are shrinking all the time, as he finds himself struggling with some things he used to find easy.
- Agnes has had her jab, and though it wasn’t without it’s side effects, she is pleased to have had it.
- Melvyn explains how this lockdown is making him feel.
- Melvyn feels that Dementia Diaries should be more actively promoted to DEEP groups.
- Raymond’s been keeping busy and is looking forward to more.
- Jacqui has some good advice about being interviewed by the media.
- Stephen has been busy painting and crafting, as he waits on a date for his jab.
- Peter describes one of the benefits of a poor memory. Another lovely, lovely diary form Peter.
- Raymond has had a bad night with his dementia.
- Stephen feels the spring is just around the corner.
- I am wandering, but with a purpose. Am lost, but not alone. What a simply marvellous diary.
- Lorraine says a big thank-you to her fellow diarists for a great ZOOM meeting.
- Ten hours sleep leaves Gail wondering if she has had brain overload this week.
- Gail’s description of dawn in the nature reserve is gorgeous.
- “We need to keep in touch with people” Keith makes a plea for us all to keep on talking. Very well-said Keith.
- Raymond has been promoting Dementia Diaries. Great work Raymond.
- Clive reflects on the power of his tattoos to provoke memories.
- James finds it much easier these days to write in CAPITALS.
- Raymond is keeping active (and warm) as it snows outside
- Agnes counts her blessings but is finding this lockdown just too much.
- Is it hard to buy presents for people with dementia? Jacqui doesn’t see why it should be.
- It’s snowing outside. The greyhounds are useless and Ratty continues to get the better of Melvyn. Can anyone offer him any tips ?
- James ponders the advantages of a specialist nurse, over a ‘general’ practitioner. Indeed.
- James asks an interesting question, but don’t try this at home, it WILL hurt.
- Glenda has had her jab, and all is well.
- Raymond has been busy and sends greetings from a sunny Oldham.
- Stephen has learned the results of his chest x-ray
- Stephen shares some wonderful memories of his childhood.
- Stephen reflects on his forthcoming chest x-ray.
- Daithi recalls being robbed in New York City
- Like many people, James is put off by being asked to accept cookies.
- Larry talks about his experience of Personal Assistants.
- Larry explains his reasons for leaving the UK.
- Raymond is getting a lot from his ZOOM meetings.
- James has put the Dementia Diaries number on speed-dial – great idea James!
- Tommy makes a very good point about the need to people to be supported to use public transport as we come out of lockdown.
- James wonders about the safety of in-ear thermometers.
- Clive is dismayed by the number of people ignoring social distancing.
- Raymond calls in from a cold and wet Oldham.
- Jacqui feels she may need to revise her expectations for travel after lockdown.
- “Good practice” Glenda has been enjoying working remotely with students.
- “Worth its weight in gold”. Agnes describes the impact of a simple in a wave from a loved-one. A powerful diary.
- Keith considers the link between resilience and creativity.
- Agnes explains how she is taking care of herself in recovery, and thanks those who have supported her.
- Julie reads a lovely poem about lockdown and the support that sees her through.
- He’s had his chest X-Ray, and now Stephen waits nervously for the results.
- Stephen’s a little apprehensive about his forthcoming chest X-ray.
- Stephen wonders how things will be after we come out of lockdown.
- Join George as he listens in wonder to a songthrush. Much of this diary is pure birdsong. Listen and be transported.
- Dory says she’s “lost the plot”. Her fitness regime is going great guns. Putting on her glasses though, not so much
- Tim records his first diary, a video. Welcome Tim !
- After all the waiting, Stephen’s had some disappointing news.
- Melvyn encourages people to read the poems in the Time and Place book. “A little bit of light in the darkness” he says.
- Don’t listen to this if you are hungry. Melvyn has been cooking up a storm. I’m famished and this is torture.
- Jacqui is overjoyed to have started watercolour lessons. Can’t wait to see what you do Jacqui…..
- Jacqui has been really enjoying travel videos by Rick Steves on YouTube
- Raymond has been enjoying Singing for the Brain on ZOOM
- Joy reconsiders her opinion of reminiscence thanks to Search and Rescue.
- A DEEP Hug bear, and especially the friends behind it, brings some comfort to Agnes during a very difficult time.
- Jacqui muses on the importance of retaining a sense of purpose during lockdown.
- Raymond has been enjoying his ZOOM meetings.
- Stephen is pleased to have tested negative for COVID – so he can crack on and get his chest X-Ray
- Stephen is glad to be able to get some ‘free oxygen’, and is looking forward to keeping busy.
- What are the qualities of an effective DEEP group facilitator? George muses on this as he steps outside again.
- George diaries from his shed where he is carving. He explains the transformative effect, as a person with dementia, of having an object of focus. This is an amazing diary.
- Dory looks forward to being “fit as a butchers dog”, and is getting there with the help of her Fitbit
- Bill talks about how finding others with dementia online has helped him during lockdown.
- Gail cannot understand people not following the rules during lockdown. You’re not the only one Gail X
- Gail reads “Taboo”, her poem written just after her diagnosis, and it’s spot-on.
- Gail is struggling to remember how if feels to hug her family. Seeing others breaking the rules and the weather aren’t helping much either.
- Keith describes how he has overcome his fear of going out during lockdown in this inspirational diary.
- “It’s like groundhog day every day”. Steve is feeling really worn down by lockdown. This is a very moving diary.
- A lovely video diary from Daithi about positive affirmations.
- It’s 4am and Daithi recounts the story of the time he saw a UFO
- Organising a meeting? Here’s some great advice from Wayne.
- Agnes makes a plea for better understanding of the importance of self-directed support.
- Agnes has had a really bad night with her respiratory illness, but had great support from 111 and her virtual friends.
- Jacqui is still bouncing around from one place to the next trying to get help to look after herself.
- “When it’s raining, look for the rainbows” says Joy, who has had some good news.
- James has had his COVID jab today. He wonders how they know who they are jabbing.
- Frances has been not so good recently, and is hoping for better days to come. We hope things get better for you really soon Frances
- Melvyn reads a great poem about COVID that will resonate with a lot of people at the moment.
- Agnes is still feeling exhausted and is doing her best to keep well. Not only does she have her own disabilities but is now responsible for getting help for her husband as well.
- Raymond is keeping busy, but finding lockdown hard.
- Keith writes again to his adversary ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’ in defiant mood.
- Stephen’s test has arrived in the post, he’s hoping for a negative result.
- Stephen’s discovered he needs to have a Covid test before he can have a chest x-ray.
- While he’s not yet recovered, Stephen’s chest is much improved, as is the weather.
- Stephen makes a bold case for Samsung.
- Lorraine records this great diary from a bridge in the middle of Capstone Lake.
- Signs of spring abound in Lorraine’s garden. Just what we all need.
- Keith has been out in the open in this lovely (and beautifully recorded) diary.
- It’s lovely to hear from the Happy Tandemer in her first diary of the New Year.
- Blimey, hasn’t Wayne had a good week?. If you find out why, can you bottle it?
- Bill makes his first diary entry from across the pond in Canada. Welcome Bill.
- James wonders about those whose lives were changed following the Aberfan disaster.
- James remembers the scourges of polio and smallpox and the role of vaccines in eliminating them.
- Glenda is finding this lockdown much more difficult than the last. She’s missing her dementia friends very much, and looking forward to being vaccinated soon so she can get on with her life.
- Melvyn wonders if celebrity support might help spread the word about the Time and Place poetry project.
- Agnes is exhausted by her efforts to get support for her husband. “I have never felt so alone”
- Agnes is getting to grips and coming to terms with her new status as a carer.
- Jacqui continues her efforts to find the right balance in continence management. An important message about communication for professionals here as well. Keep going Jacqui X
- Raymond finds a shared experience with others in the DEEP newsletter.
- Keith reads a wonderful poem about the Time and Place poetry project. What a lovely diary Keith x
- Melvyn wants to say a special thank you to those that supported the Time and Place poetry project.
- James reminds us that it’s not just dementia that can cause memory problems, and encourages people, especially drivers, to seek help
- Stephen is in bed but feeling a little better. He’s resting up. Very typically he is concerned about the welfare of his carers.
- Stephen’s recovery slowly improves, and he’s trying to keep busy till he can get back to normal. He does wonder though what “normal” is these days.
- Stephen is looking forward to feeling better and maybe getting out if weather improves as promised.
- Dory has some words of advice for those wanting to consult with people with dementia. Communication is everything. Nice one Dory.
- Wayne learns that Dementia diaries are being used on the dementia masters degree at the University of Tasmania. Not only that, he’s been asked to help them out with a ZOOM once a month. Brilliant news !
- Gail reads a brilliant poem about getting a diagnosis of dementia. It carries an important message about the importance of services being person-centred. “I don’t want to sit and learn the wartime song”
- Keith describes ZOOM meetings as his “lifeline” during lockdown. He encourages others with dementia who might be feeling lonely at home to reach out to organisations that can help.
- Daithi explains why he doesn’t want religion to be involved in the rest of his life.
- In George’s first diary of the year, he detects the first glimpses of a return to brighter days. George’s diaries are always an absolute delight and this one is no exception.
- With apologies to Oscar Wilde: We are all in bed but some of us are looking at the stars.
- Recorded before the current lockdown, Melvyn reads a collection of his poems on the theme of COVID.
- Raymond hopes everyone is keeping safe. You too Raymond X
- Part 3 of Melvyn’s diary about The Rat. This could run and run. Like the rat.
- Part 2 of Melvyn’s diary about his struggles with the rat.
- Stephen is in bed recovering from a COPD attack. Get well soon Stephen X
- You may recall that Melvyn discovered he had a rat in his garden. Their battle of wills continues into 2021.
- Joy resolves to get everything back in 2021 that COVID has taken away from her in 2020.
- Stephen is feeling a bit under the weather, and is missing people.
- Melvyn is celebrating the publication of ‘Time and Place’, a new book of poems by people with dementia.
- Agnes reflects on a difficult and turbulent year during which, among other things she became a carer for her husband.
- Melvyn takes his council to task over it’s financial decisions
- “A bit of a damp squib” – Stephen’s assessment of Christmas 2020
- It’s New Years Eve in Cornwall, and the snow has arrived.
- Melvyn reads his powerful poem about social justice.
- Losing weight is good, but it doesn’t help Stephen to keep warm.
- Julie has an important message for those tasked with delivering a diagnosis of dementia.
- Stephen has decided to stay away from the increasing cold. Good move !
- Boxing Day finds Stephen up early and anticipating (correctly) a full lockdown on the way.
- Raymond has been enjoying keeping fit over ZOOM.
- Julie has a message of hope for those recently diagnosed. These are wise words from Julie X
- Dory is finding her new FitBit is helping motivate her to get out.
- This is a lovely diary. Gail experiences “a new world through a lens”. The excitement in her voice is so infectious.
- A sense of routine is terribly important for many people with dementia. Many will recognise Gail’s wish to return to normal after Christmas
- Gail reflects on her diagnosis and what has happened since. She has words for those giving a diagnosis as well as those receiving one. So much good advice here. Essential listening.
- Recorded in April, David remembers when Elvis died. This is absolutely hilarious (though comes with an 18+ certificate – another Dementia Diary first)
- Recorded in March, Daithi remembers marching on Washington in this amazing Video Diary.
- Recorded in June, Daithi remembers playing the role of Emory in Boys in the Band
- In this Video Diary Stephen reflects on the year and the good friends he has made through Dementia Diaries.
- Stephen describes his day and looks forward to Christmas, albeit an unusual one.
- In this very early morning Video Diary, Stephen looks forward to seeing his Grandchildren.
- Stephen shows us the amazing Christmas tableau he has created. The grandchildren are going to love it Stephen.
- In this, his first published Video Dementia Diary, Stephen is staying in today. Judging by the weather, who can blame him?
- Stephen shows up round his remote-control tractor. He’s very familiar with the real thing as well.
- Stephen explains what he hopes people get from listening to dementia diaries.
- Stephen is going to miss the diarists ZOOM meetings as we take a break for Christmas. We’ll be back soon!
- Stephen describes his process with watercolours.
- After globetrotting on ZOOM Stephen is going to settle down with some water-colouring
- Stephen’s had a great day with his grandkids. “Better than any medicine”
- It’s a grey old day, so the TV beckons for Stephen. Don’t blame you, brrrrrr
- Blimey – Stephen’s got a lot going on. Good job he likes to keep busy.
- Stephen is energised by his crafting activities, working with people with dementia in a care home.
- Stephen is looking forward to using video to record dementia diaries.
- Glenda is sorted for Christmas, and sends a lovely Christmas message.
- Christmas greetings from Raymond. Merry Christmas to you too Raymond X
- In this moving diary, Melvyn reflects on the link between loneliness, loss, and regret.
- Melvyn reads his sonnet about COVID19.
- Melvyn reads a poem by Wifred Owen that he feels speaks directly to the COVID situation.
- Melvyn talks DEEP grants and rat problems.
- Jacqui is excited at the arrival of a canopy for her scooter.
- Agnes is going to approach a busy day on ZOOM with caution – wise words as usual from Agnes.
- Raymond has had a lovely time signing Christmas Carols with Singing for the Brain on ZOOM
- Agnes on the joys of dental hygiene. You’ll be dazzling us all some time soon Agnes.
- Raymond reports from a rainy Oldham
- Agnes is feeling ripped off by Royal Mail.
- The first snowfall of the year is tempting a very brave Agnes out of her front door.
- Melvyn reflects sadly on the impact of COVID. “nothing seems to make sense”
- It’s been a while since George sent a diary from his walk…but this is a Christmas treat.
- Tony Husband has crafted a lovely poem about Dory’s dying wishes. This is simply beautiful.
- “A different year, but a year or kindness too” Dory reflects on 2020
- Raymond wonders whether it’s just him that gets ignored because of his dementia. What do you think Diarists?
- Daithi features in the first ever dementia diaries video, in which he recites a poem remembered from his childhood.
- Melvyn has written on the subject of loneliness. A moving diary.
- Agnes shows us how to use Alexa to connect to DEEPNESS radio, and of course her Alexa joins in.
- “I cannot see my way ahead” Melvyn reads one of his new pieces about the neglect of people with dementia.
- Stephen looks back over a rough week and forward to getting back to ‘some sort of normal”.
- A day or so on from his anxiety attack and Stephen is getting on top of things again.
- An anxiety attack has knocked Stephen for six. He’s exhausted.
- This is wonderful. Gail and the Sea. But mostly the sea……lovely.
- Agnes has had a difficult few weeks with sensory overload and ‘sundowning’. Despite that, her friends in the Zoomettes and DEEP are keeping her going.
- Stephen recognises the need for lockdown, but is saddened that many are living through very difficult times.
- Raymond reports from a cold and wet Oldham.
- Tommy explains what person-centred care means to him. “it’s nothing more than any other member of society wants and expects”
- Wayne reads a great poem he has written about the forthcoming 2020 Christmas that will resonate with many of us.
- “It’s very scary, it’s very close” says Stephen. COVID19 has meant that his carer can’t take him out as her colleague has tested positive.
- Raymond is looking forward to getting back to normal.
- Outside the winter sets in. Inside, Glenda is happy, warm, and productive in her kitchen.
- Stephen is finding the constant stream of email and phone scams online troubling and wants to warn others.
- Joy is lifted by the news that “the restaurant that makes mistakes” has won the award for best documentary. Brilliant news Joy and well done to you and the others!!
- Stephen is over the moon with the watercolour painting he is learning from Fran.
- Raymond has joined a new online exercise group. He reminds us of the importance of keeping moving during lockdown.
- Stephen’s had a good meeting with the other diarists, but wonders where the birds have suddenly gone.
- Wayne makes a welcome return in this new diary.
- Gail is delighted and moved by what arrived in the post. Happy tears.
- Jacqui has been trying various things to help with her overactive bladder.
- A welcome return to Dementia Diaries for Peter, who reports on his experience of lockdown in Suffolk. “My bike’s compass gives me the direction I need”
- Raymond has been Dancing like Nobody’s Watching.
- Ray’s had a great meeting with Springboard on ZOOM. “It cheers me up for a little bit during lockdown”
- Ray’s had a busy day, with a busy week to come, and sends his greetings.
- Joy reflects on the warmth she experiences in the small gestures from others.
- It’s a “crispy lovely day” for Stephen. He’s really enjoying the watercolour painting he is learning from Fran.
- Stephen’s had a good day out, despite the lack of social distancing he sees all around.
- Stephen is taking a break for the computer screen by concentrating on his watercolour painting.
- Gail wonders what will happen with all her ZOOM friendships once we are ‘back to normal’
- Gail has been surprising herself with her achievement in visual arts. She feels that dementia is helping her to see things through a different, more revealing lens. “I am actually seeing what is there” WOW !
- Gail has been painting and placing remembrance pebbles along the shoreline. She has been inspiring others to do the same too – It’s been kicking up a storm on social media too. This is marvellous Gail
- George explains what dementia diaries means to him. What does it mean to you?
- Dory wants people to know that she is feeling the love and support she has been getting during this really difficult time for her. Most well-deserved Dory XX
- This is almost certainly the first dementia diary concerning the alleged whereabouts of Jackie Kennedy’s gloves. A lovely memory from Daithi.
- Daithi recalls the moon and stars of his childhood Illinois bedroom ceiling.
- Raymond is missing his grandchildren, but his online groups give him something to look forward to.
- Raymond has been dancing !
- It’s bonfire night. “The kid in me is delighted” says Joy from her vantage point on the sofa. The dog, not so much,
- Stephen feels his memory is being a little more affected than before, but he’s feeling positive.
- Online friends are helping Stephen feel much better after his health problems last week.
- “It’s a crazy world out there” says Stephen as he watches people’s response to lockdown. But still, as he reminds us, there’s nothing so good as fresh air.
- Gail is touched to be reminded how much people care for her. It’s very well-deserved Gail.
- The fireworks are bothering Dory, but the dog couldn’t give a monkey’s.
- Jacqui sticks up for someone getting shouted at for not wearing a mask properly.
- Stephen has been set back by a mini-stroke, but he’s determined to bounce back.
- Melvyn reflects on how his sense of social justice has been shaped by his childhood experience. This is an extremely powerful and moving diary.
- Joy on the COVID guidelines. “You don’t have to have dementia to be confused” she says.
- Raymond want to say a big ‘thank-you’ to everyone at Springboard.
- It’s a wintery old day, and “Christmas is just a whisp away” says Stephen.
- Melvyn has been concerned about the NHS for a long time now. He reads this from his 2014 diaries.
- Raymond hopes someone will take over supporting his group now Alexandra has moved back to Italy.
- Stephen’s been learning watercolour painting from fellow diarist Frances. He’s enjoying it immensely.
- Melvyn laments the treatment of people with dementia and the governments handling of COVID19.
- Raymond is looking forward to his group meeting tomorrow.
- Stephen reflects on a really enjoyable Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting.
- Lorraine describes the beauty she sees around her – what a great diary !
- Melvyn has been baking up a storm, much to his neighbour’s delight.
- Raymond wants to warn people of new scams purporting to come from Inland Revenue and from Amazon. Thanks Raymond.
- Stephen describes a great day out.
- Chris reports from the first face to face meeting of Sea DEEP since lockdown.
- Gail is concerned about the insidious nature of social media and its impact upon her.
- Gail feels like her mood might be lifting, despite owning far too many apple products for her own good. Good on you Gail X
- Dory has had some very welcome, and deservedly good news. Get stuck in Dory X
- George reads one of his own poems. Beautiful.
- Joy has been making another film for schools about ‘Mr Alzheimer’s’, and has lots of fruitful conversations along the way.
- Lockdown has impacts beyond the actual virus, as Jacqui describes.
- Frances beautiful description of the Brecon Beacons is simply wonderful.
- Lorraine is doing valuable work for South Eastern Railways.
- Raymond is looking forward to dancing in his front room
- A lovely ZOOM meeting brightens Raymonds mood against the backdrop of a wet and rainy Oldham.
- Agnes is feeling frustrated that despite cafes and pubs being open, libraries in her area remain closed. Poor communication from the libraries themselves isn’t helping.
- Stephen’s having a bit of a mixed week. He feels good to have been out though.
- Stephen talks about what he gets form the Dementia Diaries ZOOM meetings.
- “My magic is gone today” Gail is struggling with intrusive negative thoughts. We hope things get better for you Gail.
- Gail bounces back with a new diary after a spell under the weather.
- George reflects on the change of seasons in this beautifully narrated walking diary with Lupin.
- Steve has written a great poem about lockdown, which he reads here.
- Dementia is like a rollercoaster says Raymond. Great Diary Raymond.
- Raymond is feeling a bit down in the dumps with lockdown.
- In this bilingual diary Glenda tells us about the power of facebook and the power of friends.
- Jacqui is surprised to learn that she going to be having a full OT assessment. Lockdown permitting.
- You’ve got to have a bit of resilience says Stephen, as his week gets worse still.
- “It’s like a big family” Stephen says about his friends on Dementia Diaries.
- Stephen’s been having a rubbish week. Hope things improve for you Stephen.
- Rae feels like she is grieving for something, but can’t remember what……
- Jacqui is very happy that there’s movement in getting the home adaptations she needs.
- Raymond warns others of phone scams pretending to be from Inland Revenue and Amazon.
- Agnes recognises that she will have to relearn all sorts of things following the loss of routine during lockdown.
- Dory is now back in lockdown, but this time it feels different and she feels more alone. She wonders when it will all end.
- It’s not the same as face to face, but Raymond is enjoying meetings with his group over ZOOM
- Raymond wishes Alexandra well as she heads off to her new job
- A great update from Glenda who has been busy on ZOOM, on BBC and in her polytunnel.
- The storm is passing and Stephen has been enjoying a day out.
- Stephen is feeling much better and is cracking on with his YouTube videos.
- Stephen is relaxing after a strange spell with his health across the weekend.
- Crafting is going to get Gail through what she feels might be a long winter.
- Wayne has had better support whilst travelling on public transport. Come on TFL!
- Joy is having problems getting a flu jab. Anyone else?
- Rae is struggling to remember ‘daft’ but really important things.
- Things which are confusingly written make life difficult for everyone, as Jacqui demonstrates.
- Joy feels that this autumn won’t be the same, with or without Matt Hancock.
- It’s a dull day in Oldham but Raymond is looking forward to ZOOMING over the next week.
- Stephen wonders if he may have had a TIA, he is feeling so rough.
- Stephen’s not the man he used to be. He’s lost more than a stone and is feeling relaxed.
- Stephen watches the seasons change and feels winters first chilly little herald.
- Placing a seed in the ground is a long term investment says Jacqui, in another beautiful and gently metaphorical diary.
- Daithi muses on some of the sensory memories that take him right back to his childhood, and beyond…..
- Daithi reflects on some of the things he does differently now he is a European. There’s quite a few differences here I didn’t know about.
- Daithi recounts a wonderful story about an emergency dash whilst working with actress Myrna Loy
- Raymond is enjoying his DEEP newsletter, especially the poem.
- It’s ‘stupid o’clock’ and Agnes is really struggling with hypercusis and it’s knock-on effects. Anyone else had a similar problem?
- Jacqui thanks her doggy-care friend, and is feeling very well looked-after.
- The rain has gone, and Raymond has been ZOOMING.
- It’s hop-picking time in Kent. Meanwhile Melvyn has penned a poem about DEEP – and here it is!
- Frances is in need of a little serenity, and she finds it in this beautifully read diary.
- Listen to Jacqui working out a solution to her dilemma live during the course of recording this diary.
- Jacqui is looking forward to a few days on her own, and reflects on the marvellous support from her friend Carol.
- The response of others to confusion can cause more problems than the confusion itself, as Jacqui reminds us.
- Agnes feels she is getting her Mojo back again, thanks to people with dementia. GPs should be socially prescribing peer support, and Agnes wonders why they aren’t.
- Raymond’s back from Blackpool and wishes everyone well.
- Stephen’s problems with inconsiderate parking continue, but he remains philosophical.
- Stephen’s hopefully up and running again with a new laptop.
- It’s easy to form the idea that people who talk positively about living with dementia don’t really experience its effects. Listen to Gail describe one her her ‘bad’ days in her latest diary.
- Gail talks about her blog, how she keeps going, and the inspiration she gets from others. “You are all true inspirations”
- Wendy reads a poem about her enormous hike in support of Minds and Voices.
- Rae is frustrated at how quickly she becomes irritated with others.
- Agnes is having a flare-up of her respiratory condition. She makes a plea to others to observe the rules to avoid further lockdowns.
- A useful reminder from Jacqui about the importance of taking things steady.
- Rae is finally allowed to be visited by her brother.
- Rae is feeling emotionally numb after many months of lockdown.
- Jacqui hopes that people remain vigilant as lockdown eases.
- Raymond reports from a rainy Oldham.
- “Making hay while the sun shines” Frances watches the countryside and its folk getting ready for the change of seasons.
- Frances reports from her beloved Brecon Beacons.
- Agnes wonders why, when betting shops are open, her library is showing no sign of life.
- Inconsiderate parking is a real problem for Stephen, with potentially life-threatening consequences.
- What a great example of peer support. Stephen’s been enjoying learning new skills from other people with dementia.
- Stephen’s having a nice chill out day after some good ZOOM meetings.
- Most people with dementia are also living with other illnesses and conditions. A lifetime of farm-work has left Stephen with a painful legacy.
- “You just keep going…it’s all you can do” Stephen is in reflective mood.
- “It’s coming down in stair rods” for Stephen
- Lorraine describes a magical day with her granddaughter. Thank you for sharing your joy with us Lorraine.
- The swallows are starting to gather as George feels the earth gently spinning.
- Dory explains why her ZOOM meetings with other people with dementia are so important to her.
- Who says people with dementia can’t learn new things?. Dory is learning BSL so she can do awareness raising about dementia with hearing impaired people.
- Glenda and her polytunnel have been having all sorts of adventures in gale-force winds.
- Melvyn is looking forward to being reconnected with his DEEP friends again.
- Melvyn wonders why technology can’t be easier to use for people with dementia.
- Jacqui explains how sensory overload affects her.
- Rae records a new diary in her uniquely wry style.
- Agnes is getting to grips with “the new COVID etiquette” as she ventures out again.
- Jacqui explains how she got involved with crafting, and what it means to her.
- Frances and her husband are feeling in shock at recent developments. We’re thinking of you Frances.
- Agnes is really feeling the effects of post-viral tiredness.
- Raymond has been Singing for the Brain over ZOOM
- Raymond has been keeping in touch with ZOOM through the ongoing lockdown in Oldham.
- Joy is keen to get work moving again with Salford University.
- Jacqui is wondering how dogs might help people with dementia.
- “Here’s the pupil teaching the teacher” Jacqui is chuffed to bits.
- Up with the lark on a wonderful morning, George celebrates the role of crafting, and craftivism in his life.
- Stephen’s having technical problems. Sorry you’re having a bit of a ropey week Stephen….
- Stephen’s had a disappointing knock back.
- It feels like winter in August to Stephen as he sorts out some legal issues.
- Stephen’s feeling in control “it’s nice to have some independence”
- Stephen’s had a frightening night with his COPD, but is feeling a lot better today.
- Gail explains why crafting is so important to her in this lovely diary.
- Lorraine says farewell to a much loved friend.
- Gail is sounding remarkably perky on one hour’s sleep. Happy Belated Birthday Gail X
- Gail describes an unusual episode during the night. Has anyone else had this happen?
- Come and enjoy the sounds of the sea with Gail
- Stephen is recovering from a rotten dream and sweltering with the heat.
- Watching Alaska on the TV might help Stephen cool down. Hope so, it’s baking.
- Frances is in a reflective mood as she recovers from a fall in the garden. We hope you feel better soon Frances.
- Raymond reports from a sunny Oldham.
- Apart from being hot and bothered Rae is feeling not too bad. Very hot though…
- Politics, gardens and dogs are the subject of Melvyn’s latest diary
- Frances reports from a field full of ponies and flowers – a lovely diary
- Raymond warns about the danger of scam phone-calls. Very timely Raymond, thank you.
- Jacqui has resorted to noise-cancelling headphones to cope with the sound of her neighbours.
- Agnes is full of praise for the STRAND group following their ZOOM meeting.
- Jacqui describes how to make plant holders out of plastic bottles.
- Raymond wonders how he might get one of the very fine “I want to speak masks” fashioned by Gail. (we’ll send you one Raymond)
- Establishing the best way to communicate with people with dementia is key, as Jacqui’s diary shows.
- Joy is struggling with Manchester lockdown #2 and is off to the paddling pool to cool down.
- The Happy Tandemer has been having a wonderful time picking fruit.
- The Happy Tandemer loves to be out in a storm with the ran on her face….
- Raymond has had a lovely couple of hours with Singing for the Brain.
- Carol describes what she gets from her crafting activities.
- Dory is trying to keep herself busy at home after injuring her foot. Hope it feels better soon Dory
- New diarist Daithi remembers Hattie Jane Parker. Daithi is a great story-teller so do have a listen.
- Jacqui is repotting Cacti – and, like Gail, finds herself lost in the moment.
- Rae wonders why her dementia means she can’t apparently be taken to hospital without additional support in the ambulance.
- Rae wonders why she can’t say what she really thinks. “I’m going to start a revolution in my head”
- Lockdown is hard for Joy, but she still has her Mojo.
- Jacqui explains why emails are better for her than phone calls, when it comes to being able to remember things.
- Frances feels that lockdown has made her life with dementia easier, but knows that others have faced many difficulties.
- Agnes empathises with Steve’s struggle with the stairs.
- Melvyn tries to square the governments anti-obesity drive with the encouragement to eat half-price fattening unhealthy food.
- Glenda is looking forward to meeting up with her friends, but worries things will never be the same.
- Jacqui is frustrated about the wait for her test results. She doesn’t know why she can’t be told the results by someone else….
- Springboard is providing great support during the second lockdown says Raymond who is now facing in Oldham.
- Jacqui is feeling well-supported by the young-onset dementia team.
- Spoke too soon…. A broken stairlift has side-swiped Stephen’s plans for a relaxing day.
- It’s thundery and sultry outside, but Stephen is having a relaxing day at home.
- Stephen wonders about the potential for another lockdown.
- Stephen is about to open his first ever bank account.
- “Lost in the moment”. Gail describes how she makes crafting videos for YouTube and how crafting is a great escape from everyday pressures and worries.
- A visit to the vets for Toby the dog in this lovely diary from Gail.
- Gail describes a wonderful and long-awaited reunion.
- Chris reads a lovely quote from Cary Mulligan
- “It’s nice to get out” says Stephen, who has managed to avoid the crowds.
- While disappointed in the lack of provision for dementia in the next phase of the NHS Response to COVID, George sees a more positive response locally.
- Gail reflects on her ZOOM world, and why she shares on social media.
- Raymond’s group have been saying fond farewells to Alessandra. Buon viaggio Alessandra X
- Melvyn reads a heartfelt poem about his fondly-remember dog Max. This is lovely Melvyn.
- Steve’s recovering from pneumonia but scaling the stairs still feels like a feat worthy of Edmund Hillary. Get well soon Steve.
- Melvyn isn’t surprised by the new quarantine rules for those returning from Spain.
- Melvyn reflects on the government’s treatment of those who sacrificed themselves during lockdown. He also makes a plea for more dementia friendly technology to help people to connect.
- Kindness is the magic ingredient says Agnes. Can it be taught?
- Raymond is pleased to have got his DEEP newsletter.
- Wow – listen to the quality of Stephen’s latest dementia diary using his voice recorder!
- Stephen is struggling with the audio on his YouTube uploads . Any ideas anyone?
- “We are still people and we have so much left to give” Gail praises the people she has met through DEEP.
- Gail has not had the best of days on her bike, “but the main thing is, I tried” she says.
- George thinks ZOOM is best used for fun. Just don’t ask him to tell a joke.
- Dory is really enjoying DEEPNESS Radio and shows us how to get Alexa to play it.
- Lorraine is getting to grips with a new way of recording better quality diaries.
- Stephen’s having a good week, and is looking forward.
- After all this time Raymond has enjoyed getting out and back with his group.
- Rae is back after a fall has left her in a lot of pain. Hope you recover quickly Rae.
- Melvyn is appalled at government announcement on pay rises for the public sector.
- “What a difference 48 hours makes”. Having finally got the medication she needs Agnes is feeling 99%
- ‘The system is broken’ says Agnes, as she continues to struggle to get care from her GP.
- Following a worsening of her respiratory symptoms Agnes is left wondering why it is so hard to get support from her GP.
- Agnes wants to thank those that helped her get back online. Especially her knight in shining armour.
- Raymond’s been having a tough time but sends best wishes to all. Best wishes to you too Raymond X
- Keith describes the excellent poetry project many diarists have enjoyed so much.
- Frances is feeling stronger and is recording this diary whilst walking in her beloved Beacons. Lovely to have you back Frances.
- Gail’s had some worrying news. Hope all will be well Gail X.
- George invites us to share the sound of nature around him. This is wonderful, thanks George.
- “Ever have one of those days?” George asks. He has, and he’s having one today.
- Agnes ponders how she might reconnect with her local community.
- Stephen’s been doing his bit for nature.
- Empathy is a precious thing, as Jacqui explains.
- Stephen is having a funny old week.
- Mhari describes a brilliant outdoor exercise group she has joined.
- Davie explains his experience of living through, and beyond lockdown.
- Raymond has been using What’s App and ZOOM to keep in touch with friends.
- Stephen reports what appears to be a clear case of unlawful discrimination.
- Melvyn reads a poem that will resonate for many.
- Gail reads her wonderful poem ‘In Grandma’s House’
- Gail describes a lovely day at the beach with her family, and her sunshine.
- Gail reflects upon the impact of her diagnosis on others, including her parents, in this thoughtful and insightful diary.
- George tackles the tricky subject of DEEP group etiquette.
- Ever heard of ‘Craftivism’? You have now. George tells us more.
- Quality time with friends out in nature. What could be better…….
- Melvyn reflects on some of the people with dementia he has met over the years.
- Melvyn is finally online and is looking back over his old diaries.
- What he is hearing on the Andrew Marr show is making Melvyn’s blood boil
- Stephen’s had a great day and is enjoying being out and about a bit more.
- Jacqui ponders the difficulties of providing information to people withe dementia when everyone is so different.
- Jacqui has had a lovely surprise in the post.
- Stephen is not the man he used to be. In a good way.
- Glenda has ended up in hospital with a tummy bug. Get well soon Glenda.X
- Raymond continues to have good days and bad days. Hope things get better for you soon Raymond X
- Keith reflects on the impact of dementia and lockdown on relationships.
- Jacqui is enormously pleased with the support form her speech and language therapist.
- There will be a tips website coming soon for everyone with dement to share their tips. Here are some that Gail has found really helpful. These are great!
- Gail’s vivid description of sleep disturbance will be very familiar to many. Tick Tock.
- Gail has had a lovely weekend. Go easy on the fruit though Gail.
- Gail has decided to focus her time on those who lift her up.
- A plea from George for organisations to involve a wider pool of people with dementia.
- George ponders a radical change of tactics for dementia activism.
- George reflects upon the fact that palliative care is almost entirely absent in dementia.
- Dory doesn’t know whether its the dementia or lockdown that’s affecting her emotions.
- A guest diary here from Irene from the STAND group in Fife. Irene is taking part in the Time and Place poetry project, and here she reads two of her poems to her group.
- Glenda is feeling scared at the prospect of meeting others if she goes out. But the veg are going great guns.
- Tracey is struggling with changes to recycling, or rather, the response of others to her struggling.
- Melvyn has made it onto the Jeremy Vine show – and is sticking up for the underdog as always.
- Agnes feels that complacency over COVID does not auger well. Please use common sense, she says.
- George reflects on the growth of friendships during lockdown through DEEP.
- Dory uses her new voice recorder to capture these mistlethrush and chiff-chaff. Lovely.
- Stephen is pretty apprehensive about the arrival of tourists to Cornwall. Stay Safe Stephen.
- Despite feeling held back by her health conditions, Agnes still wants to be included.
- Join George as he takes his morning walk in the fields amidst the glorious sounds of nature.
- Dory is always great at seeing the beauty in unexpected places. Here she has a frog in the smallest garden pond in Wales.
- Lorraine reads a touching new poem “In my garden”
- Gail explains why she takes such pleasure and comfort from the ZOOM groups she has joined. Shame about the scotch-egg though Gail.
- George on the importance of working at one’s own pace.
- There’s more than one way to answer a question, as Dory recalls.
- Raymond describes the ‘rollercoaster’ of dementia he is experiencing. Hope you are feeling better soon Raymond X
- Gail loves her ZOOM groups, but wonders why some find this difficult to understand.
- George enjoys the company of a juvenile buzzard in this brilliant outdoor diary.
- Ever had that feeling you’ve seen something before? Dory has.
- Jacqui feels she should have a choice in the kind of contact she has with the Memory Clinic.
- Stephen has been taken by surprise by a call from his GP surgery
- Melvyn wonders what support there is during COVID for people who aren’t online?
- Stephen is wearing a 24 hour blood pressure monitor
- Agnes has lots of questions about her rights as a patient from her GP.
- Melvyn feels that DEEP should be doing more to promote activism across the network.
- Agnes is very unhappy with the support from her GP, and wonders if this is others experience.
- “No Care No Compassion No Love” is Melvyn’s assessment of the treatment of people with dementia under COVID.
- Joy’s birthday celebrations were a little different this year. Happy belated birthday Joy X
- Gail gives a wonderful account of seeing her parents for the first time since lockdown.
- George makes a heartfelt plea for compassion and understanding in our relationships with others.
- Melvyn is really disappointed that support for the Allies project has been ended.
- Gail isn’t finding the gradual opening up after lockdown easy.
- You never know what to expect with dementia, so you have to go with the flow, says Gail.
- Listen to the sea with Gail in this lovely outdoors diary. Wonderful.
- Gail reads her poem “a foggy day”
- A simple flower has triggered some wonderful memories for Gail
- Stephen has really enjoyed the Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting – and things are looking up a little.
- Agnes is pushing herself to do things, despite feeling distinctly under par.
- Clive reads a lovely poem “I can’t remember”
- Melvyn worries about the future for younger people, especially with regard to the NHS.
- Julie feels that people with dementia should be more strident in their demands for equality.
- Melvyn feels like his health is going downhill.
- Agnes feels her get up and go has got up and gone today.
- Raymond looks forward to his ZOOM meeting.
- Wayne listens to the world come awake in this diary from his hot and sunny garden.
- Melvyn continues this brilliant tour of his garden – AND he’s finally getting online.
- Melvyn is enjoying the beauty of nature in his garden in this lovely diary.
- The Happy Tandemer has been enjoying the company of others out in the open.
- Although his health is not as bad as first feared, Melvyn is concerned about the rush to come out of lockdown.
- Martin has had a rough time of late but ZOOM and DEEP has kept him going.
- Stephen is philosophical about the downturn in the weather.
- Glenda is excited about getting a polytunnel….and who can blame her>
- Agnes reminds us of the importance of ZOOM etiquette if people are to use ZOOM enjoyably and safely.
- Join Dory In this spellbinding diary listening to a lone songbird at 4 in the morning
- George offers his thoughts on the running theme of dementia friendly businesses.
- George ponders the shared experience of dementia.
- Listen to various diarists on the solace of nature during lockdown.
- Various diarists on the emotional impact of the coronavirus situation.
- A compilation of diarists discussing the issue of human contact during lockdown.
- Looking forward to being with friends has inspired Agnes to build up her strength and capacity to go beyond her bubble.
- Stephen’s having a hard week. Hope it gets better for you Stephen…..
- Lorraine describes her feelings during lockdown.
- Tommy explains the importance of being aware of the danger of depression or anxiety in dementia.
- Raymond has had his first ZOOM meeting. Fantastic news !
- Lorraine is sharing the moment with us. And what a lovely moment it is too.
- Jacqui must be keeping Homebase going single-handed. Good work!
- Jacqui has been inspired by Gail.
- Like the weather, Stephen’s had an up and down kind of week.
- Glenda wasn’t keen on the idea of a walk, but what a lovely surprise awaited her.
- Gail finds yet another way for technology to help her with her dementia.
- Agnes ponders taking a few steps outside her lockdown bubble.
- In this lovely diary Joy likens her life to a steam train journey.
- Melvyn despairs of the political class but is hopeful for the younger generation.
- The Zoomettes have reached this fundraising target. Dory gives thanks to everyone that donated !!
- Dory echoes Gail’s questions about dementia friendly businesses.
- George takes a walk in the rain. The rain has cleared the crowds and he’s accompanied by the king of the forest.
- The joy of nature fails to dampen Melvyn’s fury at the death rate in care homes.
- Raymond hopes everyone is keeping well and thanks those who are supporting him.
- Following her incident at the supermarket, Gail argues that people with dementia should be the ones to deliver dementia awareness.
- Glenda feels for those who haven’t been blessed with a garden during lockdown,
- Lorraine shares a wonderful sunny morning moment.
- Gail recounts a terrible experience at the supermarket
- Raymond is looking forward to getting back to normal
- Stephen enjoyed the Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting.
- Agnes has been invited to share her expertise on sensory issues in dementia.
- Gail reflects on the benefits of joining groups with other people with dementia
- Good advice from Gail to help avoid getting Zoomed-out.
- Dory is chuffed to discover allotments she never knew about practically on her doorstep.
- “We Shall Overcome”. A wonderful sentiment played by Chris during the latest Thursday clap for Key Workers
- George welcomes the return of greenfinches to his woods.
- George reflects on his good fortune in having been able to make a difference in his life
- George muses on the potential benefits lockdown may have bought to people with dementia.
- Join a white-throat, a couple of Wrens, and of course a Rook very, very early.
- Gail ponders the best way to keep track of the days
- Ronald has has enough. He’s had no heating or hot water for 4 years.
- Agnes has hugely enjoyed a virtual tour of friends gardens. What else might she explore?
- Melvyn is appalled by the sight of a doctor auctioning possessions to raise money for PPE.
- “It’s been a rough journey through the storm – but storms don’t last forever”
- Jacqui has been getting some great support to help those around her understand her communication needs.
- Having enjoyed the quiet of lockdown, Gail worries how she might cope as things get back to normal.
- In this bilingual diary Glenda tells us about her preparation for something delicious.
- Gail reads one of her lovely poems “A Calming Place”
- Rae is feeling excluded, and that she has nothing to offer.
- The Happy Tandemer has loved seeing friendly faces in a ZOOM meeting.
- Like Frances, Gail finds getting outdoors rejuvenating, especially after delving into her email in-box.
- After a few bad days Frances shares the solace she finds in the scenery around her.
- Jacqui reflects on how lockdown may be experienced in her native South Africa.
- Dory has been exploring. Dory the Explorer perhaps?
- Dory shaved off her hair live online to raise money for the ZOOMETTES. You can donate here https://bit.ly/2ZzTF4V
- George has been having a lot of very vivid dreams. He suspects Donepezil is behind it.
- Peter recounts a lovely story about the restorative power of fish and chips.
- Chris plays ‘I Can Sing a Rainbow’ during the key workers Thursday Clapping – wonderful!
- To mark VE Day here’s Chris’ lovely rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again’, played along with his neighbour on Alto Sax during the thursday night clapping.
- It’s lovely to hear the birdsong in George’s woods. This will transport you.
- Gail reminds us of the need to be patient with people with dementia.
- Raymond has been struggling a bit more this week. Hope things improve for you Raymond X
- Melvyn encourages us all to make a contribution if we can. You’re a star Melvyn.
- Shelagh looks forward to the most special meal of her life so far.
- Gail shares her poem about not giving up….
- Frances has found an online NHS consultation much more productive.
- Happy Tandemer has been enjoying the VE day celebrations.
- Gail has some interesting reflections about the many platforms people are using to communicate during lockdown.
- A lovely poem from Lorraine about Lockdown.
- In this letter Keith reminds his old adversary that people with dementia are stronger together.
- Julie recounts some evocative memories of childhood.
- Melvyn has been on Jeremy Vine again – sticking up for the underdog in the looming economic crisis.
- The ocean helps Gail cope with the daily annoyances of technology.
- Jacqui reminds us of the importance of being clear in our speech.
- Melvyn doesn’t pull his punches in this highly charged diary about death in care homes
- Wow – a great poem from Gail to mark VE Day.
- Raymond has just come out of hospital but is feeling well-supported.
- Agnes is feeling as if she is fading from reality as her isolation continues.
- Glenda’s diary reminds us to never work with children or animals. Especially cows.
- Dory reads some more from the lovely book ‘Lost Words’
- Two wonderful poems beautifully read by George.
- Chris captures the sound of birdsong from her garden.
- Chris reads her poem “The Rainbow Children” – which articulates so many feelings about this strange time
- Chris plays a fitting tribute to Colonel Tom as well as to the NHS and other key workers.
- Avoid a soggy bottom by listening to Frances.
- Gail reads her poem “My Lockdown Bubble” – it’s great – give it a listen!
- Dory reads some more ovely passages from ‘The Lost Words’
- George’s description of the woods is so vivid – please listen.
- Steve gives a great reading of this anonymous poem about the glories of tea.
- Wendy describes the deja-vu she is experiencing during the coronavirus crisis.
- A brilliant and inspirational first diary from new diarist Gail.
- Dory reads some lovely passages from ‘The Lost Words’
- A lovely reading from George of ‘Miracle on St David’s Day’ by Gillian Clarke
- Two diaries within five minutes shows what the sunshine does to Frances
- Dory has been feeling down, but she’s coming through.
- A lovely walk in the woods with George, wren, crow, black-cap and others.
- Stephen has just recorded his hundredth video see it here
- Keith has words of encouragement for those struggling to maintain social isolation.
- Dory reads ‘Coronas letter to Humanity’
- George explains why it’s important to start from the perspective of people with dementia.
- Lorraine has been brightened up by other diarists at their ZOOM meeting – “the fog has cleared”
- Frances has been listening to other diarists experiences of lockdown.
- Taking a break from exercising, Glenda has been enjoying pottering.
- Chris talks about the importance of consistent information about COVID.
- Melvyn finally got on the Jeremy Vine Show and “gave the government two barrels”.
- After COVID has passed, dementia will remain a pressing issue, as Tommy reminds us.
- Martin looks back on his life on the occasion of his birthday.
- Happy Tandemer has been stargazing.
- Happy Tandemer has enjoyed her first ZOOM meeting with friends from church
- Raymond says thanks for the newsletter – and for the calls he is getting !
- Agnes feels she has woken to an unfamiliar world.
- Joy is feeling blessed that she has a garden.
- Agnes is blown away by the support she got from Scottish Gas
- Stephen reminds us that there’s a lot of good people around.
- Raymond wishes everyone well and looks forward to getting back to normal
- Glenda reads Welsh nursery rhymes and listens to birdsong.
- Stephen is finding it hard to focus, stuck indoors.
- Tommy’s support to medical students has resulted in an amazing poem
- George reads “the Glory of the Garden” a wonderful piece of Kipling.
- A fantastic poem from Dory about life during lockdown
- Tracey has discovered a new way of knitting – thanks to YouTube.
- Melvyn is unimpressed by the guests on the Andrew Marr show.
- Peter remembers his father in this touching diary.
- Something is playing Jenga with my Brain’- Shelagh reads a poem describing how dementia can make her feel.
- Tommy’s feeling exhausted by his struggle with dementia today. But he’s determined not to give up.
- Melvyn has been making a right old noise on the thursday night clapping for the NHS.
- Melvyn berates the government for its handling of the COVID19 crisis.
- Melvyn laments the decline of the NHS since 1948.
- Can anyone help Agnes with ideas for dealing with sciatica?
- Agnes is experiencing ‘skin hunger’.
- Stephen is really enjoying the Dementia Diarists ZOOM meetings.
- Chris plays a moving rendition of ‘You’ll never walk alone’ in honour of the NHS and key workers.
- George lifts our spirits with this apposite Wordsworth poem.
- Dory reads chapter 5 of “the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse”
- Dory reads chapter 4 of “the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse”
- Dory reads chapter 3 of “the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse”
- In another lovely diary from his garden George invites us to listen quietly.
- Happy Tandemer has been taking part in singing with other members of her church.
- Martin says goodbye to his beloved beagle Ruby.
- Happy Tandemer is enjoying the garden in this lovely diary
- Raymond is calling in to wish everyone well.
- Although worried by lockdown, Rae is feeling a lot more settled.
- Dory reads from “the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse”
- This lockdown is a little like a bereavement says Chris.
- Some people enjoy food less as they get older, as James explains.
- Easter Greetings from Lorraine
- Joy is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel after her horrifying assault last year.
- Ron ponders the future role of artificial intelligence in the lives of people with dementia.
- Dory has been doing some transcribing on Dementia Diaries, and has plans.
- Wayne’s lockdown is now fully locked down. Anxious times.
- Glenda is feeling much better and thanks people for their messages on Facebook.
- Stephen enjoyed the Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting.
- Frances is excited about plans for a carers group alongside those for people with dementia.
- Melvyn fears for people with dementia and other vulnerable people during this crisis.
- Melvyn has some good questions about the government response to COVID19.
- Lorraine shares some happy sanctuary time. Thanks Lorraine.
- Wayne says the Diarists meeting was brilliant – if a bit overwhelming.
- Stephen is finding isolation tough.
- Frances hopes that lockdown may help people to become more at peace with themselves.
- Agnes is finding solace from a devastatingly vivid dream.
- Keith finds positives among the challenges during lockdown.
- Agnes has found a way to attend Mass.
- Martin reflects on time during, and after, lockdown.
- Dory is Zoomed out, and is going to limit ZOOM meetings to the groups that matter most to her.
- The perils of supermarket shopping are laid bare by Chris in this final diary from this weeks ZOOM meeting.
- During the ZOOM meeting Frances reminded us of the importance of good communication in hospital. Naughty Frances.
- During this weeks ZOOM meeting, Lorraine expresses her sadness at her separation from those she loves.
- James reminds us that dementia is not on pause for coronavirus. This diary was recorded at our Dementia Diarists ZOOM meeting.
- Learn some Doric in this diary about local life from Martin.
- Just listen. Nice one George.
- Glenda’s feeling a lot better today, but is still feeling the isolation.
- Tracey is a bit of a home bod so feels quite at home, at home.
- Paul has just been laughing for an hour and a half with the Manettes ZOOM group.
- Lorraine really enjoyed using ZOOM for the first time.
- People with dementia are no strangers to the isolation that lockdown has created says Tommy.
- Glenda is worried about losing the skills which have sustained her.
- Agnes is having to adopt new strategies in this new reality.
- George encourages us all to focus on the positive.
- Martin is feeling the benefit of a clip round the ears.
- Rae is feeling better. “I think I’ve landed” she says.
- The Happy Tandemer is feeling moved by the support for the NHS.
- Stephen is struggling with self-isolation.
- ZOOM is helping Paul deal with self-isolation.
- Dory on how she is coping with self isolation.
- James has suspended delivery of his excellent book on driving for the time being.
- Raymond hopes everyone is doing OK.
- Keith writes a letter to his old adversary. Dear Alzheimer’s.
- Rae has moved, but sounds exhausted.
- Martin enthuses about ZOOM as a way of keeping in contact
- Glenda reports on the situation where she lives
- A lovely message of hope and optimism from Julie
- Moving house is a shouty business says Rae.
- Jacqui is in a difficult situation with her PA.
- Stephen surveys the new world but is cracking on.
- Paul was also at the Manettes meeting – he loved it too.
- Tommy reports from the first meeting of the Manettes
- Christine is finding the Sunflower invisible disability lanyard is not recognised by everyone.
- Christine described a wonderful act of kindness – big shout out to Dave.
- The NHS is broken says Dory after an emergency this week.
- Dory is reminded that there are more kindness is still more common that selfishness.
- Professionals need to recognise the costs of engagement says Julie.
- Raymond hopes everyone is keeping safe.
- Agnes ponders how to stay connected in the months ahead.
- Every cloud has a silver lining says Agnes.
- Raymond has been holding a tarantula.
- Stephen’s COPD group has been suspended due to coronavirus.
- Raymond thanks all those who keep the support groups for people with dementia running.
- Wendy is grateful that technology is there to ‘remember’ things for her.
- Rae has arrived in London after an eventful journey.
- Tommy talks about the importance of telling ones story.
- Paul talks about the stigma facing people with dementia
- Rae is off to London to do some filming with Alzheimer’s Society.
- Agnes is using her nurses head to future-proof her home.
- Agnes is using what she has learned to plan for the future.
- Frances loves being part of the ZOOMETTES
- Frances describes a scene of beauty out with her dog.
- Agnes is pleased with the look of the Future Care Handbook
- Agnes want to thank her virtual friends for supporting her through a difficult time.
- Glenda has recorded part 3 of her holiday diary.
- Tracey has gone and got herself a tattoo.
- Julie describes how her dementia has been getting a little worse of late.
- Jacqui is fuming after running not problems with a parking ticket machine.
- Stephen has decided to take a break from the walking group.
- Keith talks about the experience of being a dementia diarist.
- Raymond is pleased to be back with his dementia groups.
- George talks about Coronavirus and how to respond.
- Julie namechecks just a few of the women with dementia who have inspired her on International Women’s Day.
- Dory is feeling strong and independent on International Women’s day.
- To mark International Women’s day Wendy recounts her meetings with other remarkable women through DEEP.
- Christine makes this diary entry to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday
- Wendy reports from the Dementia Enquirers meeting
- George talks about the importance of the Dementia Enquirers project
- Stephen has been stuck at home
- Raymond is back home after his respite stay.
- Martin on ZOOM and overcoming rural isolation.
- Martin talks about how is trying to make a difference locally
- More about Martins work with Upstream in Dundee
- Martin describes the work he did with Upstream in Dundee
- Martin talks about how Life Changes Trust changed his life
- Martin recalls his diagnosis of PCA
- Elaine has had a lovely present from a 6 year old.
- Although Rae is struggling in some ways, she is looking forward to moving soon.
- Things are not going well at Stephen’s walking group.
- After two hours in cold Carlisle the pub is well deserved.
- Glenda is on a mystery tour.
- Dory interviews Phil, who is Digging DEEP
- Loving compassion has a role to play in maintaining dignity says Shelagh from her hospital bed.
- George reports from a recent meeting of Dementia Enquirers
- Stephen has been talking about technology and dementia.
- Keith is keeping really busy.
- Jacqui talks about the importance of getting the right equipment.
- Lorraine reports from a meeting about improving dementia care
- Glenda makes this diary in her mother tongue.
- Jacqui has rediscovered lego – and is really enjoying it.
- Dory reads the poem Mother Mountain
- Wendy asks why should dementia stop us having adventures?
- Tracey likes having Alexa around the house.
- Raymond is staying in a care home for a bit.
- Jacqui finds too much choice can be overwhelming.
- Is Rae sensing the first signs of spring?
- Stephen is still looking for new members for his walking group.
- Float away to the beautiful voices of the Still Me Group.
- Paul is looking forward to speaking at the Dementia Action Alliance this week.
- Keith has delivered a great presentation to medical students.
- Melvyn is campaigning to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.
- Melvyn agrees with the need to defeat jargon.
- Jacqui’s work is helping people to talk about dying.
- Too many chiefs, not enough indians, Stephen feels.
- Good advice from Tracey about not overdoing it.
- Raymond is out of hospital.
- Melvyn is feeling discriminated against in the digital divide.
- Dory reflects on Ronald’s poem ‘the mountains I still climb’
- We all need support, and working together can make that happen says Ronald
- Peter talks about what keeps him going and how he feels responsible for taking control. “bring it on” he says
- Melvyn feels that professionals are letting people with dementia down.
- Glenda talks about belonging. Plus, she’s off abroad for the first time!!
- Jacqui feels she has lost her mojo…..and misses someone to talk to.
- Stephen’s walking group needs more people with dementia.
- The Clear Voices Group discuss the issue of reading and watching television.
- Agnes feels wonderful to be part of the Zoomettes.
- Hurrah !!! Glenda passed her driving assessment – but it was exhausting.
- Wendy has written a poem about about belonging to DEEP
- Chris is trying new ways to get people along to their DEEP group
- Jacqui talks about ‘anticipatory grief’
- People have been dropping like flies in Cornwall, says Stephen
- Raymond’s been unwell over Christmas.
- Rae is feeling mutinous.
- Jacqui has been doing some co-training and found it really useful.
- Stephen is looking forward to getting back to normal.
- Jacqui reports from a successful meeting at DCAN.
- Happy Tandemer bumps into some friends in unusual circumstances.
- Glenda is worried about a forthcoming driving assessment.
- Ron and Philly discuss the launch of the Dementia Voices initiative
- Wendy celebrates the launch of the Dementia Voices initiative
- Keith is looking forward to a busy start to the new decade.
- Christine reminds us of the importance of good listening
- Jacqui is still struggling to get her expenses paid.
- Jacqui is off to a meeting to talk about developing high quality personalised care.
- Agnes looks forward to a new decade – “together we are stronger”
- Jacqui reports on the benefits of natural waking.
- Letting people know what you need is important says Jacqui.
- Jacqui is enjoying a memory box she was given.
- Rae is feeling in need of a hug.
- Joy is not feeling the Christmas spirit.
- Christmas is difficult for Rae this year.
- Raymond wishes everyone a Merry Christmas
- Paul looks back over a busy year.
- Paul reminds us of the gift of time at Christmas.
- Raymond is feeling low now his groups have finished for Christmas
- Stephen is feeling a little better as Christmas approaches.
- Jacqui reminds professionals that people with dementia still have skills
- Rae just wants to be heard.
- Raymond reports from the Banner launch in Manchester.
- Jacqui reports on a very well received talk in London
- A lovely Christmas message from Raymond.
- Dory “a thong, a bottle of wine and a pack of tena ladies”
- Chris ponders the meaning of Christmas
- Dory is feeling the impact of other other’s distress.
- An important message at Christmas from Christine
- “if you stop making decisions you switch off” says Stephen
- Agnes feels well supporting following the loss of her passport.
- Agnes has given a keynote speech about dementia friendly communities.
- Agnes is getting frustrated with losing things.
- Jim reports on developments of a new potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Rae reflects upon the ghosts of Christmas past.
- ‘You don’t look like you have dementia’ Keith ponders this oft-heard phrase.
- Raymond couldn’t get to the Christmas party.
- It’s freezing down in Cornwall, and Stephen is grappling with a thorny issue.
- Tracey has rediscovered some old skills and is starting to relax.
- A lovely Christmas message from Keith
- Raymond has been to a new dementia cafe.
- Raymond is going to miss his cooking group.
- Rae’s had a weekend away in Merseyside with her brother.
- Jacqui had really encouraging feedback form her recent talk.
- Jacqui gets great support on her way to London.
- Melvyn talks about the recent award to the Forget me Not Group
- Stephen is looking forward to putting his feet up
- Glenda updates us on her busy schedule
- Agnes talks about the meeting in East Lothian
- It’s an alien world out there’ says Rae
- Agnes on the celebration of James’ time as a campaigner.
- Dory finds beauty in a cold wet day.
- Agnes is upon the horns of a dilemma about language
- Agnes reflects on her TED talk
- Raymond’s had a really good afternoon at Springboard
- The Happy Tandemer is feeling happy and relaxed
- Stephen is having a difficult time with his dementia.
- David from Clear Voices
- ‘I’m 92 and a half’ – Cyril, a new member of Clear Voices, talks about the R101 airship crash
- ‘My old man’s a dustman’ from Aileen at Clear voices
- John from Clear Voices talks about the difficulties of following conversations
- Jacqui feels the post office could be a bit more dementia friendly.
- Agnes thanks those who supported her during her recent health crisis.
- Coach travel has its downsides for Glenda.
- Stephen’s walking group finds not everyone especially welcoming.
- Agnes is full of the praise for the paramedics who helped her.
- Raymond has just received his Dementia Diaries newsletter.
- Dory looks back fondly over the events at Dementia Congress.
- Keith updates on his busy schedule.
- Paul is looking forward to a lie-in at the weekend.
- Stephen has been out with his group to a National Trust site.
- Rae is feeling the benefit of being part of a team.
- Dory reports from the DEEP stall at Dementia Congress
- Julie wonders what will happen if her dementia progresses.
- Raymond has been taking cookery classes.
- Agnes is worried she has damaged her ankle.
- Agnes ponders the role of technology in the lives of people with dementia.
- Happy Tandemer is talking about dementia diaries and DEEP in Cambridge.
- Call Dory a victim of dementia at your peril.
- Rae finds it hard to explain what it is like to have dementia.
- Raymond has had a good meeting at Springboard.
- Jacqui has had some disappointing news.
- Glenda reports from Fort William on her Scottish trip
- Stephen finds the flu jab hurts more than he remembered.
- Tracey ponders the need to be busy and positive all the time.
- Melvyn is enthusiastic about the new ‘Friendly Face’ service
- Melvyn wonders how many people do ‘live well with dementia’
- Melvyn’s not sure that the colour of zimmer frames matters.
- A Wales compilation to mark the launch of ‘Sharing a diagnosis of dementia’ – guide for professionals
- Diarists talk about what Dementia Diaries means to them
- Steve Milton from Innovations in Dementia reads a letter to all diarists.
- Wendy wants to encourage awareness of the hidden disabilities lanyard.
- Ron discusses the importance of ownership as a cornerstone of recovery.
- Rae is struggling to contain her emotions.
- Agnes explains how important it is for her and others to “get it in writing”.
- Paul says ‘It’s all part of being a superstar”
- Dory makes a difference with a ‘Friendly Face’
- ‘Our strength will come when we are as one’
- Hand out hope that you can still live a life when you make a diagnosis of dementia
- ‘All outside is quiet, but there’s a party going on inside my head’
- Melvyn gives a heartfelt thanks to Penny, a transcriber, for her letter
- Dory visits the MacIntyre Dementia Project
- With the help of DEEP I am going to reach the top of the moutain
- It’s not easy being an activist …
- Stephen is feeling really grotty with a chest infection
- Raymond is really pleased to receive his newsletter – with his photo in it!
- In filming there is always a ‘take two’ ….
- Shelagh is being filmed by ITV News about the importance of Dementia Diaries
- ‘I’ve been inspired by someone else. I’ve got a goal’
- ‘I’m grumpy today because my body doesn’t know what it wants to do with itself’
- Glenda has been in hospital and is incensed about the poor working conditions for the nurses
- It is a tough life out there – we need to pull, as allies, together
- Clear Voices – the song we created ourselves
- Three members of Clear Voices share their thoughts
- Jacqui encourages more people with dementia to get involved.
- Raymond is keeping going despite the challenges dementia brings.
- Agnes reflects on the importance of living life to the full.
- The Happy Tandemer reports from a great meeting.
- Mr Alzheimer’s has been getting even more cuddles than usual.
- Keith is still spreading the word.
- Jacqui is much happier travelling by train,
- Jacqui reinforces the value of support from others.
- Stephen is having a tough time with his COPD
- Rae’s tea is behaving mysteriously.
- Rae has been singing in the rain. Literally.
- Paul found the ZOOM meeting ran by Ron about end of life really interesting.
- Dory talks about the Dementia Enquirers meeting in Limehouse
- Conference speakers with dementia need better support says Dory.
- Dory describes a wonderful night at Doing Dementia Differently
- Stephen talks about a new virtual group.
- Nigel ponders the public questioning of the diagnosis of dementia.
- Glenda is finding anger hard to cope with.
- A poem that came out of Brecon
- A group discussion about being a speaker with dementia.
- Glenda is busy busy busy….
- Agnes ponders what makes for good outcomes from a meeting.
- Who is in Rae’s bathroom?
- Stephen looks forward as the seasons change.
- Keith is looking forward to a busy week.
- George has advice for someone newly diagnosed.
- Dory records a diary from the Dementia Enquirers meeting
- Agnes talks about presenting to the audiologists conference
- The first Dementia Diaries recording from Tibbs Dementia Foundation ‘Clear Voices’ group
- Tracey has had a really busy week, including being on TV.
- Agnes ponders the nature of memory.
- For everything I have lost I have gained much more, says Agnes.
- Agnes thanks her daughter for the support she gives.
- Agnes feels her dementia symptoms are progressing.
- Raymond talks about the groups he attends in Oldham.
- Melvyn reflects on the poem he wrote to mark the death of his beloved wife.
- Jacqui is very impressed by her visit to St Annes Hospice.
- Stephen reports from the Zoo. Happy Belated Birthday Stephen !
- Glenda is thinking about the future.
- Keith describes how he came to terms with dementia
- Dory reports on a busy but wonderful week.
- Rae worries that she will forget her daughter.
- Paul reports from the Doing Dementia Differently event in Stockport.
- Tracey reports from the Admiral Nurse Forum.
- Melvyn talks about his involvement with Springwatch
- Melvyn is feeling privileged to know the people he has met through dementia.
- The Happy Tandemer reports on a change of medication.
- Keith talks about the importance of talking to children about dementia.
- Carol reports on a talk to medical students.
- Glenda is off to Porthmadog
- Paul is off to Stockport for the Doing Dementia Differently event.
- Melvyn talks about PIP assessments and dementia.
- Melvyn is looking forward to talking at the Grammar School.
- Melvyn describes how much doing his diaries mean to him.
- “Shine on Harvest Moon” sings Nancy, reflecting on her time in Stornaway.
- Jacqui ponders the reality of the practice of person centred support.
- Stephen has enjoyed being interviewed by the media.
- Shelagh is wondering whether other diarists struggle with numbers and passwords.
- James Agnes and Pat are about to see Ron’s play.
- Philly speaks to Pat on his arrival at Stornaway.
- Philly and Ron discuss his play.
- Wendy reads her blog about a very positive audiology appointment
- Agnes is listening to the rain at “stupid o’clock” and breathing in.
- Dory’s audit of Wrexham FC went better than the match did.
- Agnes reports from a great trip to Dunblane
- Stephen’s had a funny old couple of weeks.
- Tracey has had a very busy and positive week
- Agnes wonders if anyone else is struggling with getting the words out.
- Agnes is feeling heard in the support she has been getting for her respiratory problems.
- Ronald has set his words about his experience at Woodbrooke to music.
- Ron ponders whether perhaps “all you need is love” after all.
- Jacqui on the importance of following up.
- “Be grateful for what you have got” says Rae
- Tommy talks about the importance of dementia friendly communities..
- Paul talks about dementia enquirers and “coming back to life”
- Jacqui has been raising awareness
- “dementia is like the weather” says Peter.
- Glenda is feeling much better now
- Stephen has not had a good few days.
- Glenda is having a bad day.
- Chris reports on the Pride March in Cardiff
- Chris has some good advice on travelling by train.
- Jacqui continues to try and secure more CBT sessions.
- Tommy talks about how important DEEP has been for him.
- Keith reflects on his visit to Woodbrooke.
- Paul has been telling an old friend how “I do do that”
- Paul reports from a Dementia Enquirers meeting.
- Rae is worn to a frazzle.
- Stephen’s had a mixed week, including a bit of brick making.
- Dory reports on a number of different projects.
- Wendy’s new poem “Woodbrooke Gathering”
- Tommy has some advice for communicating with people newly diagnosed
- Agnes is trying to adapt to new conditions.
- Rae reports from the Mersey Ferry
- Jacqui is unhappy that her CBT sessions have come to an end
- Stephen has had some news from his consultant.
- Dory reads Jane Garvey’s article about ‘Speaking from the heart’ – a DEEP women and dementia event
- Keith felt welcomed in to the Dementia Diaries and DEEP family
- I can’t get a handle on it – I can’t come to terms with it
- The day the dog ate Glenda’s spectacles
- The ‘work’ of Dementia Diaries – part of our hearts joy
- Woodbrooke Gathering – a poem by Wendy
- Good wishes from Ray who couldn’t come to Woodbrooke
- Paul reflects on the Dementia Diaries Gathering
- Dory reflects on the Dementia Diaries Gathering
- Jacqui would like to hear about other cards used for communication
- Sometimes I feel bereft of who I once was
- Frances is feeling humbled and inspired!
- ‘Keep going’ says Stephen fuelled by ice-cream in Cornwall!
- Frances is really disappointed that the Bournville village is NOT made of chocolate!
- I feel ashamed I haven’t done enough – but I have a voice and I want to speak
- Agnes feels safe and understood with her ‘dementia family’
- Lorraine also sings the praises of Virgin Trains!
- Wayne has a really positive experience with Virgin Trains travel assistance
- Agnes is going to reduce how much she does but thankfully will continue with Dementia Diaries and DEEP!
- What is it like to have dementia as a man?
- Dory has a distressing day visiting depressing care homes
- Larry is remembering his friend, Sheila, with their jointly penned poem
- Larry’s poem about worrying (or rather don’t)
- Rae felt small and over-awed
- The pros and the cons of living alone with dementia
- Julie from YODA shares a very positive research experience
- Chris shares her story of diagnosis and finding her life again
- Use the spoon theory for energy conservation
- A glowing review for a new leisure centre in Dover
- The little things I use daily I am finding I am forgetting how to use them
- ‘Without you I don’t know what I would do’
- The Happy Tandemer shares her exciting cultural and natural adventures
- Peter talks about the value of prompts and reminders. All about adapting and changing
- Stephen and his group celebrate the life of Happy Wanderer – George
- Frances is not sure if she is in a situation comedy or a memory clinic
- When your husband starts to use the yellow ‘I want to speak please’ cards!
- Tracey has been invited to speak at Congress but concerned about funding and arranging everything herself
- A reminder about changes to Blue Badge eligibility
- Never give up on yourself. There will be so many others who will do that for you…..believe in yourself and live your life as best you can.
- Frances finds her tracking device helpful.
- A power surge made for an interesting night for Dory.
- Frances describes a friend who is blossoming.
- Rae is home from a less than successful time in hospital.
- Agnes is feeling the heat on her road to recovery.
- Agnes talks about the help help she gets to keep involved.
- Stephen has been out with the walking group.
- Rae is recovering after an operation.
- Wayne shares a wonderful summers day in the park.
- Frances reflects on what Dementia Diaries means to her.
- Glenda is taking a well earned break.
- Raymond talks about the importance of life story books in hospital.
- Rae is coming home from a manic time in Scotland.
- Stephen has a busy week coming up.
- Dory feels well supported on her travels.
- Agnes argues for a holistic approach to caring for long term conditions.
- Frances talks about the new film about DEEP groups in Wales.
- “I have dementia, dementia doesn’t have me” says Keith.
- Stephen’s had a good day with the walking group.
- Frances feels anti depressants can be hugely helpful.
- Frances reports about the “empowered women” meeting
- Keith is cross to get a hospital appointment for 2020!
- Tracey on the issue of eye tests and dementia.
- Dory talks about the women with dementia meeting.
- Rae records this diary with a heavy heart.
- Melvyn is appalled by a new leaflet about dementia.
- Melvyn wonders why more men aren’t involved in supporting dementia.
- Carol is taking a break away.
- Glenda recalls teaching Welsh. Kind of.
- Shelagh reports about the “Empowered Women” meetings
- Glenda reports about the Empowered Women meeting.
- Rae notices being treated like an older person.
- Agnes feels her DEEP family is helping keep her afloat.
- Stephen’s had a great visit to Newquay.
- Jacqui has just had her first exhibition.
- Stephen is getting back into the swing of things
- Wayne has been awarded Medway Volunteer of the Year.
- Shelagh has been spreading the word about Dementia Diaries
- An update on my use of my new best friend Alexa
- A compilation of diary recordings celebrating Wendy’s book
- “Don’t be afraid” Glenda tells people newly diagnosed with dementia.
- Paul has been enjoying a good read.
- Agnes has had a breakthrough with Alexa.
- Dory has had a really productive week.
- Melvyn wishes well to those affected by dementia
- Melvyn looks back on the life of his beloved dog Max.
- Melvyn reports on a great meeting
- Melvyn’s had an interesting experience whilst sunbathing.
- Rae reads two great short poems.
- Jacqui asks people to avoid verbal overload.
- Lorraine has had an amazing day with Dementia Adventure.
- Stephen is feeling the heat.
- Agnes is adjusting to a slow recovery from pneumonia.
- Carol is keeping pretty busy.
- Rae is feeling bad after a shopping incident.
- Happy Tandemer makes her first diary from the allotment.
- Jacqui asks people to use their “I want to speak” cards.
- Paul reports from a psychologists conference.
- Stephen has been raising awareness.
- Rae is feeling elated after her meeting.
- Frank is looking forward to being a dementia diarist
- Rae is feeling a little nervous about her poem reading.
- Time to start writing things down especially when I have something important to say
- Keith wonders if, like him, others sometimes feel redundant.
- Howard reflects on Our Dementia Choir
- Howard on the BBC Panorama programme Crisis in Care
- Larry reads a new poem, Giant Steps.
- The Happy Tandemer has been making sausages and is feeling good.
- Good advice from Stephen on moving forward.
- Jacqui is struggling to get seen by her GP.
- Carol reports on the DEEP Gathering in Canterbury.
- Rae is feeling low today
- Agnes talks about the need to be in control of her own care plan.
- Agnes feels that there is room for improvement in the care available at home.
- Keith reports about the Canterbury DEEP Gathering.
- Dory’s had a good week and now flowers!
- Carol reports live form the Canterbury DEEP Gathering.
- Jacqui is getting on well with her new PA
- Stephen has been powered up.
- Work is going well with the new Eastbourne DEEP group – Chris reports live.
- Paul is tired but happy after meeting many of his ‘DEEP Family’
- Agnes reports on the Edinburgh DEEP Gathering
- John describes some of the ‘cognitive ramps’ he uses when travelling
- John speaks about the problems he can have travelling.
- John introduces himself.
- Chris encourages others to press for their rights around benefits.
- Joy threw herself off a mountain for young onset dementia.
- Tracey has broken her ankle.
- Jacqui is delighted with her holiday scooter rental.
- Agnes updates on her work with Dementia Enquirers.
- Agnes is struggling a bit to make diaries away from home.
- Paul is off to Edinburgh to join he DEEP Gathering.
- Agnes talks about the support from DEEP and Innovations in Dementia.
- Rae reflects on the love she feels around her.
- Jim reflects on supporting others with dementia.
- Everything’s working out nice except the weather for Stephen.
- Watching an ant has Stephen wondering.
- Stephen has been under the weather but looking forward.
- Agnes wonders about the support people need to get involved.
- Clive expresses frustration at the attitude of others.
- Julie demonstrates the love and caring that exists within groups.
- Ronald has recorded another beautiful piece to music.
- Stephen has battened down the hatches for the weekend.
- Wayne reflects on being challenged about his dementia.
- Dory reflects on the meaning DEEP brings to her life.
- Agnes is off to an event in Edinburgh – A Public Inconvenience.
- Agnes’ new book resonates with Jacqui.
- Agnes reflects on her purpose in life.
- The Universe has sent an important message to Agnes, and to all of us.
- Agnes looks forward to her STV broadcast with Nancy.
- Agnes thanks STV for their recent work together.
- Jacqui is unhappy.
- Stephen has almost finished his COPD rehab.
- The Happy Tandemer is pleased to receive Agnes’ book Talking Sense.
- The Happy Tandemer is having a busy time.
- Agnes reports from a busy Scottish Dementia Awareness Week
- Agnes reports from a project in Dundee.
- Tracey reports on being interviewed by the FT.
- Glenda reports on a busy Dementia Awareness week.
- Melvyn is chuffed to bits about his garden.
- Keith reports on his presentation at the Hay Festival
- Jacqui feels her art might help her in the future.
- Joy ponders the white knuckle ride that is dementia.
- Dory reports on a recent talk she delivered.
- Friends and gentle support
- At last a screening date for The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes
- A chat with Mike, Guest Diarist, at the Cornwall DEEP Gathering
- John shares his travels and adventures across the UK and Southern Ireland
- John Quinn from Australia – This is me
- Wendy’s reflection on a busy Dementia Action Week
- The beauty of children and older adults interacting
- Raymond reports from a busy Dementia Action week in Oldham
- A powerful plea for kindness and understanding
- Stephen has been really upset by a carer’s thoughtless words
- ‘Life doesn’t stand still, I’m not improving and she’s not here’
- Jacqui has a bad experience at an event where she was due to speak
- Listening to Dementia Diaries opened a positive world to a lady who is newly diagnosed
- Tracey has had a really good (mainly positive) and busy Dementia Action Week
- However important this person was I couldn’t let his use of the term ‘suffering’ go unchallenged
- Special news – I have passed my six monthly driving assessment
- I am taking a deep breath and taking stock
- Glenda talks about her work raising awareness with young people.
- Dory reads ‘Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann – beautiful.
- Dory reflects on a busy Dementia Awareness week coming up
- Stephen is feeling a bit low today.
- Paul looks forward to carers week
- Raymond talks about his ‘this is me’ document.
- “I have never known such a room full of love” Melvyn feels the same.
- Stephen is feeling a little tired after his second COPD session.
- Jacqui is pleased that she is not living up to others expectations.
- Shelagh reflects sadly on how short ‘Forever’ can be.
- Paul reflects on his visit to Belfast
- Agnes talks about her Churchill Fellowship.
- Agnes describes an enjoyable meeting
- Melvyn’s describes how much pleasure his dogs bring to his life.
- Melvyn reflects sadly on Our Dementia Choir
- A compilation for Dementia Action Week
- Carol congratulates Rae on her appearance on TV
- Tommy and Paul use song to investigate a hole
- Rachel chats to Christine at the Northern Ireland DEEP gathering
- Rachel chats to Keith at the Northern Ireland DEEP gathering
- Tommy talks about being at the Northern Ireland DEEP gathering
- Wendy reads a poem written for Dementia Diaries
- Paul reports from the Northern Ireland DEEP Gathering
- Stephen is happy if a bit sore after his first session of COPD rehab.
- Rae reads a new poem
- The Happy Tandemer reports on a jaunt to Whitby
- Stephen looks forward to COPD rehab
- Nancy is looking forward to her choir meeting
- George reflects on the 5 Steps to Wellbeing approach.
- Rae has mixed feelings about watching herself on TV.
- Joy is building support for her work to raise awareness in schools.
- Raymond feels airports should be more aware of dementia.
- The weather has wreaked havoc with Glenda’s newly planted flowers.
- Agnes talks about her new book.
- Jacqui has enjoyed experimenting with new mediums.
- Jacqui can’t recommend ‘I feel better when I paint’ enough.
- Melvyn has a suggestion for Innovations in Dementia
- Melvyn is awestruck by the BBC programme Our Dementia Choir.
- Jacqui reports on a visit to the ARC centre
- Ron muses on the potential of neurogenesis
- Elaine reports on a very long and uncomfortable walk.
- Stephen reports on a busy week and busy period ahead.
- Jacqui is unhappy with a local transport scheme
- Larry reads a new poem ‘until it’s not’
- Carol reports on her long journey from Kent to Exeter
- A Garden Compilation for National Gardening Week
- Jacqui is excited to read a book on the impact of arts on people with dementia.
- Jacqui reports on an article in the Journal of Dementia Care about an upcoming event on arts and dementia.
- Shelagh reflects on the impact of dementia on her ability to support others.
- Dory reports on her work with Dementia Adventure and her wider dementia adventures.
- Steve challenges the use of the word ‘mad’ to describe a person with dementia in a recent TV programme.
- Jacqui reports from a residential mindfulness course
- Rae is looking forward to her TV debut with mixed feelings.
- Stephen has missed a few walking groups to keep on top of other health issues.
- Easter Greetings from Stephen in Cornwall
- Christine introduces some of the members of the new DEEP member group
- Christine reports from what might be the first meeting of a new DEEP member group
- Ronald performs a lovely spoken word to music piece.
- The Happy Tandemer reports on an Art Garfunkel show
- Howard echoes Chris’ observations about dementia.
- Neither Tracey nor the frog were expecting this to happen.
- Peter challenges Rachel to ride his penny farthing challenge with him.
- Dory congratulates Rachel for jumping out of plane for Young Dementia UK.
- The Happy Tandemer is feeling really good and looking forward to a busy Easter
- Glenda says how important is to have time for herself too
- Melvyn wants to congratulate Wendy Mitchell after a powerful appearance on the ‘Lorraine Show’
- Stephen is being kept busy and it’s the way he likes it. ‘Don’t be afraid just go out and do it. Speak from the heart’
- Keith Oliver Part Eight – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Research for a cure for the future is important but we need to think about support that is needed now
- How do you facilitate passionate differences of opinions? Melvyn contemplates this after watching a heated tv interview
- Dory’s fountain is spurting in to life in the sun!
- Jacqui is excited to find a volunteer driver alternative to public transport
- Stephen is enjoying doing talks and he encourages everybody living with dementia to ‘Keep going’
- I am beginning the process of coming through my mid-winter misery moods.
- Compare dementia to the Duck analogy of paddling frantically below the water
- Keith Oliver Part Seven – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Keith Oliver Part Six – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Keith Oliver Part Five – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- We all need that special place to go when you need to make sense of what’s happening.
- Keith Oliver Part Four – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Keith Oliver Part Three – ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Keith Oliver Part Two ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- I was a bit shocked, I went quite blank, I felt vulnerable. I realised once again that I had early onset Alzheimer’s
- In general the last month has been dreadful for me
- Keith Oliver begins a series of diary recordings about his new book ‘Dear Alzheimer’s’
- Jacqui pleased to contribute to the Journal of Dementia Care about Alexa.
- Stephen spoke in front of 80 people and had really good feedback
- Paul is really impressed with his first ZOOM meeting
- Melvyn feels honoured to be working with Dementia Allies, and wants to say thank you.
- Carol is thinking about how to help those around her in the years to come.
- Julie on behalf of YODA reflects on the pleasures and challenges of holidaying with dementia.
- “There is much more to life than dementia” says Shelagh
- Wayne reflects on a visit to hospital.
- The Happy Tandemer is still hopeful of seeing a Kingfisher amidst a busy week.
- Jacqui has made some good contacts to help her get more involved with arts and crafts.
- Peter reflects on the importance of purpose, and why cycling is becoming increasingly important for him.
- Rae reads a poem called In Church
- Jacqui has an adventure with a trapped bird.
- Dory is moved by a performance of Memoria and has a message from Karen
- A walk was planned but the weather had other ideas
- Jacqui has been commissioned to do some art work for an exhibition
- Stephen has a spring in his step and is looking forward to a busy month ahead.
- Tracey feels that public health messages that diet can reduce the risk of dementia can make people with dementia feel guilty.
- Tracey calls for research to involve people with dementia at an earlier stage.
- Melvyn reports on his work with Dementia Allies – supporting people newly diagnosed.
- Raymond wonders if he can get involved in making Manchester Airport a bit more accessible.
- Jacqui wonders about starting a group in Stockport to do arts and crafts
- Stephen has been really busy and reports on a great day at the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- Jacqui reports on the final meeting of the DEAR group.
- Latest news from Anti Glenda
- Melvyn is disappointed in a lack of progress following an audit of a venue.
- Dory reflects on the things she has done since her diagnosis that she has never done before – like going on a big march in London!
- Jacqui is getting great results from being creative.
- The Happy Tandemer says a big ‘thank you’ to DEEP.
- The Happy Tandemer reflects on a busy week and some great news.
- Wendy speaks to Sue about working at Housing 21.
- Howard is also at Housing 21 to encourage new diarists
- Wendy has been invited to Housing 21 to encourage new Dementia Diarists.
- Jacqui on the need to have good notice of appointments.
- Rae is tired after a worrying night.
- Sky Dive Saturday for Wendy – Part Two
- Sky Dive Saturday finally arrives for Wendy – Part One
- Rae is bouncing round the house…….
- Agnes talks about the importance of adventure with dementia. Feeling blessed.
- Melvyn ‘s message about knife crime and the NZ massacre
- Melvyn is confident the arrival of spring will lift his spirits.
- Rae reads a touching poem.
- A group diary here – the Great Camden Minds talking about technology and eating cake.
- Like the Queen – Nancy has 2 birthdays.
- Nancy reads Where the Wild Things Are – fantastic!
- Agnes reflects on the history of activism in Scotland, and encourages others to seek out peer support.
- Rae misses her Mum, who passed away a year ago.
- Mhari talks about a visit to Derngate – a Rennie Mackintosh House in Northamptonshire.
- The Happy Tandemer (Mhari) talks about the ZOOM meeting she took part in – feeling brave!
- Agnes reflects on what makes Dementia Enquirers meetings work so well.
- Stephen looking forward to the changes spring will bring.
- Agnes had a great meeting with Dementia Enquirers.
- Carol reflects on the role of facilitators in DEEP groups.
- Carol talks about making decisions for the end of life.
- Jacqui is pleased about seeing her consultant.
- Agnes talks about her problems with self-directed support.
- Paul talks about the DEEP meeting in Manchester
- Stephen reflects on the BBC Countryfile programme
- Jacqui talks about the year since her first dementia diary
- Steve is inspired by Wendy’s book
- Chris gives a great review of Wendy’s book. “It felt like I was there with her”
- Wayne reflects on Wendy’s writing about social media – “you can still be part of the world because of technology”
- Hear more of Agnes’ thoughts on Wendy’s book
- Hear Carol’s thoughts on Wendy’s Book
- We all experience dementia in our own unique way
- Tracey’s thoughts on Wendy’s book
- George’s thoughts on Wendy’s book.
- Howard talks about the opportunities afforded by technology
- Howard speaks about International Women’s Day
- Agnes is ready to talk about living well with dementia
- Jacqui tells how she struggled a bit at Belfast railway Station
- Jacqui is in high spirits after her trip to Belfast
- Larry reads two of his poems that touch on the subject of loneliness
- Tracey warns of a phone scam
- Agnes looks forward to a busy Sunday
- Melvyn has been reading the DEEP newsletter
- Rae is upbeat, against the odds
- Larry recounts his experience with PIP
- Larry reads two poems about friendship
- Jacqui is pleased about her day
- Dory is feeling used
- Jacqui had a great day at the Museum in Belfast
- Jacqui is getting ready to board a plane
- Stephen wonders if he is overdoing it
- Ron calls for action to secure the rights of people with dementia.
- George muses on possible names for DEEP groups
- Melvyn looks back to the poem he wrote following the loss of his dog Max
- Jules’ thoughts on Wendy’s book
- Dory’s thoughts on Wendy’s book
- Paul’s thoughts on Wendy’s book
- Stephen looks back on meeting Tony Robinson
- Wendy says ‘Never give up on yourselves’
- If you read one book about Dementia, I would recommend “Somebody I Used To Know”
- We need to talk about dementia, but not at the expense of the good moments
- Wendy ponders an interesting analogy for BREXIT
- Howard on his experiences at the audiologist
- Howard on recording a pilot podcast at BBC Sheffield
- Agnes reflects on the importance letting people know the support she needs
- Rae emerges from beneath the duvet with a joke.
- Jules is feeling cross that the decision to stop driving was taken without her
- Jules is saddened at the loss of her driving licence.
- Agnes is tying a big ribbon bow around her memories of 13 years of activism
- Agnes is off to meet Philly and Kumiko, who has come from Japan to listen and share
- ….at the other end of the day Paul is tired but happy with the hard work done in Manchester
- Paul reflects on a good day’s work on transport and a good social too!
- Stephen reflects on his week, including a visit to the Fire Service
- Paul sets out his dreams of Liverpool winning the Premiership
- Tommy reflects on what is needed to improve work towards better transport
- Agnes looks forward to being interviewed about the history of dementia advocacy in Scotland
- Tracey discusses aphasia and dementia
- Jules reports on a great DEEP meeting in London – she’s not so keen on that London though…
- Stephen announces the broadcast date of the edition of Countryfile he worked on.
- Listen to Rae’s truly beautiful poem for her Aunty Sue
- Dory’s cabin fever is outweighed by news her article is about to be published!
- Agnes is rushing out to a meeting with friends old and new at Edinburgh Uni.
- Jacqui reflects on how nice it is to be encouraged
- Jacqui describes a lovely interaction.
- Paul talks about testing a new app at a DEEP meeting
- Tracey describes a great couple of days working in London
- Agnes needs help to find a care provider that understands technology
- Agnes bakes scones with the help of talking scales and Scottish War Blind
- Melvyn talks about the need for more training and support for care home staff
- Melvyn revisits an old diary entry about his local MP
- Jacqui wonders if the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme could be a bit more accessible
- Melvyn argues for more consistency of care
- Jacqui has a great day with her new PA at the Hat Museum, despite forgetting her coat and walker.
- Agnes wonders of anyone has any good tips for effective reminders
- Stephen has a great day working with the BBC on Countryfile
- Nigel pays tribute to the women he has worked beside since his diagnosis
- Melvyn has some thoughts about the MPs who recently left the Labour Party.
- Melvyn feels successive governments have neglected the NHS
- Agnes talks about the importance of good service from audiology departments
- When people they question, They don’t understand, What life’s really like, Living in Dementialand.
- Dory is with the poet Patrick Jones in Barmouth at a DEEP United Meeting
- Melvyn is not impressed with an Alzheimer’s fundraising advertisment
- Celebrating a much loved baby brother’s birthday
- Melvyn needs your thoughts about what we can actually do about the NHS who callously wipe people off this earth through lack of care
- Going to a meeting with ‘hope in my heart’
- ‘They should give you this weather on the NHS if you have dementia’ says Jim from Tenerife!
- Carol shares her experience of an Audiology appointment
- A tribute to somebody who seems to come along at just the right time
- What do you do with secrets when you are living with dementia??
- The Happy Tandemer is walking a bit like John Wayne after a fantastic long tandem ride with friends
- Raymond reporting from Springboard, ‘Let’s Be Heard’ and they’ve had a tea dance today!
- Agnes has been introduced to Alexa – What a success!
- ‘You don’t meet our eligibility criterea. Let me refer you to another service who will tell you the same’
- The Happy Wanderers are due to be filmed by Comic Relief but Stephen has a chest infection, which is not good when you have COPD.
- The difference good support makes
- ‘It was wonderful just to feel normal for an hour to do my shopping’
- Sharing your connections and experiences, another value of groups in the DEEP Network
- Sharing a bad experience with your group and finding solutions and kindness
- Sound words of advice from Carol about giving up driving
- People living with Dementia can and should be involved in developing, running and participating in Research.
- We need to talk about rules and regulations. They can discriminate against people with dementia
- Dory reporting back from her Audiologist appointment – progress on the recognition of Hyperacusis
- Good news for Carol today about joining a new group … even prompting an H…A…P…P…Y song!
- Despite bad news Tracey believes that knowledge, knowing what is wrong, is power
- I’m going to start walking again. Even just a mile a day does the world of good
- Jules asks when is time to give up driving?
- Rae is thinking about her dad’s favourite poem and thinking how nice it would be to sail off in to the sunset
- Paul is suggesting a Dementia Diaries Poet’s Corner
- A powerful insight in to the effort it takes before and after attending the Hearing Information Show
- An horrific taxi journey takes its toll
- Larry shares two of his poems about love, friendship, madness, sadness and loneliness
- A very emotional time. A discussion with my girlfriend ‘She may not want to care for me as I get worse’
- From DEEP in Deeside Pauline says ‘ I’m so glad I’ve come to it. We talk, laugh and drink. I love it, I love coming here’
- Wayne Part Two from National DAA – Give up inviting people who leave the building after they have done their bit
- Sharing a great technology solution for note taking and saving trees
- Jacqui’s thoughts on Coffee, Cake and Culture at The Whitworth in Manchester
- Stephen and his carer got stuck in the snow three miles from home!
- Melvyn’s thoughts about more benefit cuts, terrible standards in Care Homes. He asks what can we do!?
- Wayne Part One reporting from the National Dementia Action Alliance event
- ‘Does anybody know what they are doing? It is disgusting how they (Department of Work and Pensions) keep on messing things up!’
- Beautiful and wonderful to be outside with snowdrops and a nice cuppa from a thermos flask
- Through togetherness we find a way to stay strong through the storms
- I am really struggling with daily, normal things I do. I can’t recognise certain things I must do.
- ‘I so want to go out in my slippers today’
- In conversation with Wayne ‘The here and now’
- Melvyn’s got an idea for a TV programme about dementia
- Glenda reporting about her ‘Dementia-Friendly’ work with Bangor University
- Rae is finding it miserable being different
- Larry – This is Me
- Planning time
- Technology is not just for Christmas
- George introduces DEEP Riversiders in Shrewsbury to Dementia Diaries
- Ray’s Poem ‘It’s your Alzheimer’s’
- There’s no stopping Jacqui on her creative adventures!
- Agnes sees the potential of Alexa but needs some guidance
- If through dementia, I forget you God then please remember me,
- Howard Gordon – This is Me
- Why are we deemed so worthy of so little?
- I think they were suprised that someone with dementia had so much to say!
- Let’s Be Heard Oldham – a new group in the DEEP Network in Oldham want to improve the shopping experience for people living with dementia
- Stephen hoping to set up his own group and the disappointment of the taxi not showing up to go to The Happy Wanderers
- Glenda reporting
- The disruption of decorating and not feeling it is your home anymore
- ‘He said Grandad are you gonna die I said, yeah everyone dies but not today, unless I get knocked down by a bus’
- Abbreviations are confusing – I thought I was a ‘Plwd’ but what does a ‘Plwd’ mean?
- ‘I don’t want to be a ‘them’. I just want to be normal and blend in’
- ‘I lost the will to bounce back, it’s taken me two week. But now we can start sowing seeds in every metaphorical way’
- Carol wants to know if anybody else has tinnutus and wonders if there is a link to aspirin?
- ‘tenderness is something I am fortunate to feel everyday from the warm embrace that I get each day from my wife to being told by my youngest daughter that she loves me’
- A funny story with a serious message about mistaken identity and who you invite in to your home
- Keep helping each other along the way is a good philosophy
- After watching advertisments about cancer and heart charities Melvyn feels we need an up to date dementia campaign about young dementia
- Welcome to new diarist Ray! ‘I was really frightened of going and I have come away with friends’
- Larry’s first Dementia Diary shares the power of our relationship with children
- Stephen is setting up a Facebook page for The Happy Wanderers Walking Group
- For Jim – The secret is to stay active
- ‘We cannot discuss it with you because your daughter has Power of Attorney’
- Carol’s Christmas and New Year catch up and a busy start to the year
- The feel-good factor of the first meeting of the year
- Dory explains A Friendly Face ‘When I was diagnosed, I found it really invaluable to chat with someone who also has a diagnosis’
- ‘I am ever so grateful for having the Healthy Minds at Stepping Hill in Stockport’
- My Memory Clinic’s mistakes have caused me stress and anxiety for nothing
- Is my voice less strong and is my carer’s voice stronger when my Power of Attorney is activated
- The difference a really unhelpful manager at the gym makes – ‘The reason I go to the gym is to be as independent as possible’
- Dementia Diaries is featured on the Tip Off Podcast in 2018
- Visiting a friend who was diagnosed at the same time was pretty sad, but has given me the resolve this year to have our voices heard
- Stephen wishes for a better year than the last one
- Developing, finding and sharing coping strategies
- Chasing up this broken NHS system makes me fatigued…. the trust is broken.
- I was so confused, not knowing what I was doing. And I’ve said I’m not doing it next year. I’ve noticed a change in myself, how I wasn’t coping, and so I’ve decided – if I can’t do it, I’ll let someone else do it instead. I was quite worried and got quite scared about what was happening to me
- Tracey reports on her Christmas and feeling ‘quite relieved to get back to my silence’
- Dory’s audiology experience ‘If I hadn’t has said I would have come out with nothing’
- I have Hyperacusis and am currently seeing an Audiologist.
- What does the right housing mean to me?
- When difficulties arise with your friend and housemate
- It’s the simple day to day acts of bravery shown by all those, who are affected by Dementia with all its ghastly apparatus. aided and abated to often by scant inappropriate services, poor social support, stigma and lack of recognition of civil and Human Rights.
- Melvyn receives a reminder letter for his appointment, but living alone will he remember his appointment?
- The mountains I still climb
- Hoping to keep everything going as well as I have done this year
- Happy Tandeming and joy over the Christmas and New Year break
- Look at me as a whole person
- Stephen’s Christmas Collection and the value of friends
- The Dr doesn’t always know best. Thank goodness Jacqui’s housmate can reassure!
- Melvyn offers a very moving thanks to Keith Oliver
- ‘What I want is the same as the rest of our society to love to laugh to cry in other words to be, I want to live in a society that can adapt to needs and respond as a society to my dementia’
- The importance of friends
- Dory’s Christmas message ‘Be nice to your turkey this Christmas’ and ‘have plenty to drink’
- A Christmas Message from Carol
- How does Christmas sound and smell to you?
- Just to talk for a few minutes helps me a hell of a lot
- Christmas Greetings to all who are part of Dementia Diaries and everybody in the DEEP Network
- The Christmas Tree Dilemma
- Validation of my feelings and I can live well with dementia. I will be able to succeed to my full potential
- Really useful information from Agnes about getting your hearing aid collaborated
- A busy Happy Tandemer with such a joy for life!
- Stephen is on the mend – just in time for Christmas!
- A distressing reality for so many including Melvyn’s deep depression and loneliness at Christmas
- There are certainly parts of it where we don’t ‘Live well with dementia’ especially when we accidentally pour the whisky down the sink!
- An appeal for greater understanding and support for people living with dementia in the workplace.
- On wearing a heart monitor and not being afraid to question your treatment and care
- Agnes shares her short relaxation session
- Stephen has been really poorly but wanted to get back on to Dementia Diaries to say hello
- I could tell them in five minutes what they need to do to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. The problem is nobody listens
- Dementia Enquirers – who would have thought people with dementia would ever be in this position and I’m so happy to be one of those people
- Carol reports from Dementia Enquirers first meeting with doubts but then values the love and support from her peers which has encouraged her
- It has been a year of ups and down since diagnosis. I’m now at a stage where I’ve got – to be peaceful
- Paul talks about having a bad day.
- Jacqui shares details of another tracking app, Life 360, she uses on her phone
- Dory explains about the Trusted Contacts App – which will help her if she gets lost when out and about
- Glenda reporting in Welsh
- Melvyn reflects on Our Deep News and feels there is a momentum growing in DEEP.
- All my life I have always had somebody with me – hard to sit here hour after hour
- ‘You never know what strange journey dementia takes you on’ Shelagh struggles with wrapping paper but not for any reason you may assume…
- If we had the support crisis points would be kept off for longer
- Ron is building a ‘Dementia Responsive’ Technology system to enable his independence and to stay at home
- The quiet. This is what my life is like.
- Paul and Tommy are working with Liverpool John Lennon Airport to develop a training package for staff about hidden disabilities
- Jacqui made them laugh and got a standing ovation!
- Jim epitomises the power of DEEP. Engaging and Empowering his voice!
- We need to talk about end of life, palliative care and our options
- Inspired by the Armistice and organising a Dementia-Friendly Church event
- Having a lovely creative time with my Occupational Therapist
- Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone got it and understood dementia………one day…maybe…..one day.
- It would have been nice to have been in a warm car rather than a cold bus to visit the grandchildren. Another down side of losing you licence.
- Feeling very down – I don’t know why…
- Keith highlights the difference between Sympathy and Empathy
- Jim is feeling good in Deeside and is doing training with student nurses in Bangor
- Fantastic to hear from one of the original diarists Paul again. He’s had a difficult time but he’s back!
- Sharing good news about ‘Dreams and Visions’ film about the life of Max will be shown
- Melvyn is supporting a friend who hasn’t been able to get any help from Social Services despite trying for six weeks
- A nice day out at the Eden Project but Stephen is being troubled by nose bleeds and doesn’t know why, makes him feel a bit down
- Peter is having a fantastic time taking part in The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes
- I confess that I often still feel this Anger but less so, since meeting with Peers in DEEP
- Wendy and the hotel shower!
- Melvyn is involved in the Dementia Allies in Kent – supporting others who have just been diagnosed
- The power of Mindfulness and a good friend
- Dory is very proud of the confidence she now has to stand up and have a voice
- Should we be offered remuneration for taking part?
- I feel part of a bigger UK family with DEEP. I am future proofing my life so I can get my needs met and I am still in control of my life
- A place I am allowed to personalise so I know it is mine and has the space to grow into as my care needs increase.
- Stephen is frightened by the blank and vacant moments he is experiencing
- The Happy Tandemer reviews ‘Finding Joy’
- Jacqui would like to put her DEEP group out on social media to help connect and support outside of meetings
- Jacqui values the peer support she gets from Social Media and Dementia Diaries. She also wishes that support for others.
- Derek Dove from Brighton & Hove D-Mob and his first diary recording – ‘from young to old’
- I have the capacity to make a choice but I know I have the support there if I need it
- Jules went through a whole range of emotions at Congress – but thought it was AMAZING!!!
- Jim on resigning from being Chairperson ‘Can’t do it to the high standard I’m used to doing it’
- Carol shares her update but has been feeling in a fog for a few weeks after a possible TIA
- Glenda talking about care in the Welsh language and why it is a clinical need for people to have care in their own language
- Hello from Shirley from D-Mob in Brighton & Hove at UK Dementia Congress 2018
- Jacqui shares how helpful her DEEP travel, event and accommodation plan is
- A long journey, four and a half hours, for Glenda to talk at the Senedd
- Inside my head I feel like something has changed – blank, vacant
- ‘It is tough….It was very frightening when I couldn’t get my words out’
- We don’t often talk about ‘where’ we live with dementia. Moving was the right thing for me
- Good design is the difference between me going out and not going out
- Australian Author and ‘Dementia Survivor’ Christine Bryden Guest Diary Recording
- A live recording from Dementia Diaries Workshop at Congress
- We will face these challenges with dignity, our lights will shine in the darkest of times, we will demand services are tailored to our needs and driven by consultation with us and our loved ones.
- Agnes share some tips about hyperacusis strategies and she reflects on her decision to stay at home after diagnosis
- ‘Memory evokes an emotional response and remembering can be facts without an emotion’
- Peter says it is important to listen to our stories and vivid memories of the past ….and you might just learn something!
- Jacqui needs to travel first class on the train (to meet her needs) but there is a dilemma about paying for it
- I feel dealing with my Dementia a big enough strain on my Identity the Government has discovered a new way to add to this
- What Melvyn thinks of the latest budget. A billion to defence and we can’t even feed our children
- Agnes special kitchen edition
- Jim reporting from DEEP in Deeside
- Pat has moved house and has been busy in the garden and wall paper stripping
- First time out since Friday but todays outing with the physio and the walking group has really helped
- It took 4 years for Jim to get a diagnosis. Now he knows what it is he says ‘I can live with it’
- Lorraine is elated to pass her 6 month driving assessment!
- Having all the equipment after diagnosis didn’t help me. It made me feel lost, felt this is it, felt useless. I didn’t need them then
- We can still experience the emotions we have always had and we find meaning in the present future and past
- A warm welcome to new diarist Davie from Northern Ireland ‘Feeling good to be alive’
- ‘Today was one of those days. The tut and the roll of the eyes didn’t make me feel very good’
- Wendy turns meaningful words, from Dickens, into a poem from all the special words chosen by London DEEP from ‘Great Expectations’
- Tommy sees himself as a candle, a little less each day but a flame that keeps burning bright – never give up on us
- A big warm welcome to our latest Dementia Diarist Ron Coleman
- A low key week involving first class train ticket to London and a wedding anniversary!
- Jim reporting from Deeside – having a good week including attending a DEEP meeting in Bangor
- Stephen really struggles with the 7am weekend carers visits – takes him all week to recover and then back to 7am again!
- What do you do when you are asked to move seats and afraid to speak up?
- I’ve come to realise how lucky I am to have the Services I need in the Welsh Language and I’ve also realized how little English I speak as Welsh is my first language.
- Jacqui takes a big next step to living with dementia (and does a bit of an audit on the way)
- Dory’s second interview ‘The best bit was hearing from the patients’ – Dory didn’t like the use of the term ‘patients’ though
- so apparently sex is important for ‘older people’ …. ‘with a partner’!
- People focus on what we can’t do rather then what we can do at their peril
- Dory does some interviewing at Cadr Conference after performing Dementia Diaries Live
- Catching up with Agnes on a beautiful autumnal morning in Coatbridge
- I wish there were more walking groups for people living with dementia – it has certainly helped me!
- Shelagh reviews her new all singing and dancing toilet (not quite)
- A very warm welcome to our latest Dementia Diarist and member of DEEP in Deeside – Jim Ibell
- Jacqui feels so much loss and grief associated with her diagnosis
- Tracey has spent quite alot of time in hospitals this last week
- Melvyn is glad he has Dementia Diaries – it feels like a real diary, a legacy of his life with dementia
- It has been a difficult and lonely week for Melvyn with no telephone
- It is your legal entitlement to reserve a seat at Odeon Cinemas as you have a regsitered disability. It is not special treatment. And did you know carers go free??
- The importance of working together and supporting each other in partnership. Dory quotes Andrew from Me, Myself & I. ‘By myself I am a twig and together we are a branch’
- Jacqui wonders if it is the medication or in A&E they said she had an anxiety attack…
- The Happy Tandemer is keeping fit, enjoying the autumnal colours and going to Quiz nights!
- Wendy reads her favourite bit from her book (Somebody I used to know) about Billy the cat
- Agnes says ‘Thursdays are for me’ ….and guess what? She is still busy!
- Stephen says ‘we amble not ramble’ on our dementia walking group
- Hear the latest diary recording from Glenda
- Welcome to Ray (who is a Wigan Warriors fan) from Springboard in Oldham
- A week in the life of The Happy Tandemer with lots of Apple Crumble and Christopher Robin!
- I want to help people who are living with the same as me
- Agnes had a great technology sesion with Alastair Cox – she loves the way technology connects us
- Jules wonders if anybody else prefers certain rooms in their home than others?
- Melvyn’s pleased to hear about the progress of Dementia Diaries and DEEP
- A new group (part of the DEEP network) is being set up in Barmouth with DementiaGo
- It takes Nancy 3 days to attend a meeting!
- Nancy sings Happy Birthday on Dementia Diaries to her good friend Agnes
- Tracey shares her experience of travel and taking part in an event
- Dory reports after her visit to Housing 21
- We are still active in our communities five years after diagnosis. That’s wrong. The diagnosis must be wrong. We are still travelling around the country. We look normal. It must be wrong.
- You’ve got to stay positive and muddle through
- Jacqui would like to develop a checklist for planning what she needs when attending events
- Don’t assume reminiscence will bring back happy memories
- A beautiful story of reunion and friendship
- We don’t talk or look enough at the emotional cost of dementia
- Involvement at what cost and to who?
- Wayne has a terrible and initimidating experience at the Odeon Cinema
- Wonderful recording about a holiday in Dubrovnik
- Melvyn shows how important it is to have discussions – yellow cards are an example of this!
- Jacqui will be at Dementia United event talking about her experiences of a Driving Assessment after diagnosis
- All of a sudden PING it was as if someone turned my brain back on
- Really nice to feel feel useful and helpful. Really makes me happy that I am still able to do that
- Sometimes you need to push yourself and you can do more than you think you can
- Jacqui shares her professional experience of being a funeral arranger to talk about death and dying with health professionals and carers to great acclaim
- The value of getting outdoors as part of a walking group
- DEEP and Dementia Diaries have changed my life and I have learnt that people love me for who I am
- Jacqui is feeling a bit sad when she sees on twitter what everyone is doing – feels she should be doing more, but her friend sets her straight.
- Julie shares her joy at being part of the Vicky McClure Choir!
- Agnes cancelled a research appointment to meet a person newly diagnosed who is floundering. She asks was I right?
- Peter and his wife, Teresa, celebrate 25 years of marriage. The biggest hurdle they have faced is dementia
- Welcome to Julie – she attended the Young Dementia Conference and is concerned about how few people with dementia were there
- Sunday night with Dory – It has been a busy week
- A warm welcome to Stephen Tamblin from Cornwall who wants to help others living with dementia
- Carol reports about the Young Dementia Conference in Birmingham
- The difference one person can make to the purpose, value and self-esteem of another
- At Minds and Voices I’m normal and when I walk through the door and start putting out the chairs……I’m just …Wendy.
- Having conversations that ‘need to be had’ Talking about over active bowel with others I realise it is not only me who has these problems!
- Tommy Dunne – This is Me
- I was determined to win and justice for all people with disabilities and for dementia
- Keith Oliver – This is Me
- Dementia Diaries and Housing & Care 21 Workshop at Woodbrooke
- Not such a dementia-friendly experience for Jacqui judging dementia-friendly awards
- Jacqui raises the point about the importance of the timely process and claiming of expenses
- Tracey is involved in a project about promoting physical activity with The Alzheimer’s Society and she walked three miles today!
- How do you get energy saving deals if you can’t get online?
- Dory has been clocking up her travel miles taking part in meetings in Cardiff, Manchester, Wrexham and Birmingham
- Lorraine – This is Me
- Melvyn’s Garden Musings
- An update from Agnes at the Scottish War Blinded Gathering
- I like the yellow ‘I want to speak please’ cards
- A truly disgraceful experience at Stepping Hill Hospital for one of the Educate Group as re-told by Steve
- Carol has been presenting today at a Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy Course today – and it went really well!
- Agnes is off to a Gathering (another supportive family) with the Scottish War Blinded organisation with her husband Alan – who says Hello!
- Melvyn doesn’t like the yellow ‘I want to speak please’ cards ….what do you think?
- Steve – This is Me
- Karen has had a busy triple booked day in Cardiff – things are beginning to happen!
- Agnes introduces the folk at Glasgow’s DEEP Gathering
- Carol shares her experience of Young Onset Dementia diagnosis
- It is surprising though just how heavy a seagull is, especially when it lands on yer head.
- George – This is Me
- Tracey – This is Me
- Glenda reports
- The Happy Tandemer began the week feeling a bit apprehensive but ended up having a MAR-VE-L-LOUS time dancing, singing (and everything else) with a Gospel Choir in Leicester
- Dory is asked about her DEEP badge and inspires somebody from Amnesty International
- A caution – if an organisation wants us to be involved they must recognise we need support
- In the grand scheme of things we’ve only reached a small percentage of the population so there is still a long long way to go.
- Melvyn is making plans for his garden to try and keep the winter depression at bay
- Another bad experience in a hospital for one of the Educate DEEP group motivates the group to do more training with the hospital
- Agnes is a week early for her XRay – but they fit her in anyway
- Dory – This is Me
- Tommy reports on many activities including the importance of Dementia Words Matter in the media , 3 Nations Working Group and the value of peer support and peer led training by people living with dementia
- Jacqui’s dog is a creature of habit and wants her to have a nap every day at 3pm
- Carol’s Wee Poem for a WEE laugh
- Karen – This is Me
- The whole reason for the meeting was to bring safety awareness to all of us about driving. Well done to all the organisers, Transport for Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and to DriveSafe.
- Agnes reports back from her day with the Scottish War Blinded group
- Hear the joy in Dory’s voice that after months of patience 7 people came to DEEP in Deeside last night!
- Chris – This is Me
- Another first for an apprehensive Agnes – but she hopes to make some more new ex-army friends and get some more help
- Jacqui has spoken and written about her experience of a Driving Assessment after diagnosis
- Jules has had a really difficult week and then on a brave trip out experiences some distressing ignorance. ‘Somehow, somewhere we have to educate people we are NOT idiots’
- Jacqui – This is Me
- Wayne leads a report from 8 Dementia Diarists all working with Dementia Adventure. Lots of laughs!
- Dory is also at the Dementia Adventure Special Interest Group – We are being asked about ideas for different activities and holidays
- Agnes reports from Dementia Adventure Special Interest Group in Manchester – pleased to see so many other Dementia Diarists there
- Shelagh – This is Me!
- Carol has set up her Alexa Echo Dot with her Mum as a safety device in case of falls
- Tracey attended the DAA relaunch of The Dementia Friendly Hospital Charter
- Welcome back to Gina who is keen to hear from others who are living with dementia who also care for somebody living with dementia
- Wayne – This is Me!
- My daughter likes to look at Dementia Diaries and see what I’ve been doing, because I might have forgotten to tell her what I’ve been doing.
- It is difficult to go and see my father (living with dementia) because I am looking at myself in the future. Peter says he feels able to share this as ‘The Diary doesn’t really judge’
- Even Desperate Dan would struggle to eat the pies we have eaten!
- Use the strategies that have served you well in the past allied to those which might be new to you, which others who really care might have offered you, for in that way you have an even greater chance of living as well as possible.
- Jacqui is going to be invloved in End of Life training and is spreading the word about Dementia Diaries
- Wendy’s review of the Admiral Nurse video – It captured my feeling of how there’s always a way
- Dory meets a lady who says to her ‘Thank you for saying that ….you are just like me …. and I thought I was all alone’
- If it is good enough for Barack Obama – it is MOST DEFINITELY good enough for me!
- Cathy from the Isle of Lewis – feels lonely and would like to talk to other people the same as herself
- It is thanks to Shelagh Robinson that I remembered to take my pain medication!
- ‘I had a lump in my chest and I didn’t know what it was…How far have we come? Not very’
- Melvyn shares his honest, raw emotions about trauma, grief and trying to survive
- Agnes responds to Jacqui’s diary about communication strategies and suggests ‘Talking Mats’
- Jacqui was upset by seeing a lady who could no longer verbally communicate and so she has come up with a plan if that happens to her
- Agnes shares the benefits of yoga to her health and well-being
- Agnes joins in the discussion about Incontinence
- Incontinence – I don’t get the signals to tell me I need to go until the last minute
- Carol is having a catch-up on Dementia Diaries and says thank-you to all the Dementia Diarists and Listeners
- Let’s talk about Incontinence, Incontinence, Incontinence ……!!!!!!
- What a difference a stair lift has made to Jacqui (in so many ways) but she did not meet the Social Services criterea
- Jules has had a difficult few months and would like to challenge the people who makes decisions to live our life for a day
- The safe harbour that protected me from the storms and tumult of life is eroding away leaving me exposed to the extreme elements of raw emotion.
- How many more people have to go through this awful PIP experience?
- The Happy Tandemer reporting from a windy beach in South West Scotland
- Wayne reporting from a windy Garden of England on the coast- why are they staying in the car park?
- Keep doing what you are doing. Be aware that you need a recovery time. Gatherings are medicine for the soul.
- Melvyn captures all his senses in his garden
- Cathy from Stornoway reporting in Gaelic at the DEEP Gathering! Another first!!
- Pat reports from the Aberdeen DEEP Gathering
- Agnes introduces Dementia Diaries to the Aberdeen DEEP Gathering
- Tracey reminds us just how much it takes out of her to take part. ‘I was quite poorly afterwards. Recovery can take quite a while’
- In the main we stay positive and supportive of each other
- The Happy Tandemer sharing her joy of all things including the biggest cream tea she has ever seen
- Sharing a beautiful morning on the way to Macdonalds for a morning coffee
- I want to do what I want to do. I will do what I know is right for me.
- Dory’s Alexa Demonstration
- Dory has frustrating experience DWP cannot talk to her about her pension because her daughter has Power of Attorney
- Melvyn thinks the Dementia and Sensory Challenges book is terrific and can be very useful for families and carers to understand dementia better
- my wife Rachael and I celebrated our Ruby Wedding Anniversary. We decided that we would get our rings blessed and renew our wedding vows.
- Reflecting on the fun of the Dementia Diaries Gathering but needing time to recover. It really does take it out of you.
- Jacqui has a not very positive OT assessment for a stairlift – ”You don’t meet our criterea’….
- Awful to be administered to without kindness….Lying in a hospital stripped of being Agnes….Please introduce yourself and tell me what you do – you sea of blue
- Melvyn is STILL waiting to hear about his PIP – Watch this space!
- Jacqui describes her vulnerability with money – she overpaid her taxi driver and he thought he had a generous tip!
- It’s a bad day ….I feel lonely…even with Jayne here
- Dear Dementia…….. We have to sit down and have a heart to heart……….. I preferred my life when you weren’t a part of it but now I can’t live without you – sadly – but there’s no need to be with me 24 hrs a day.
- George stresses the value of Dementia Diaries to enable the voices of people living with dementia to be widely heard
- From his Motorhome Chris says Everyone has to find that space where we can live along side our dementia’
- Agnes is very happy to be back in her own bed after being in hopsital with pneumonia
- Everyone needs to belong
- Jacqui amazed to be asked ‘Have you been let out? ….Are you out by yourself?’ by a Health Care Professional!
- Dory shares her review and positive experiences of using the Alexa Echo Dot
- Jacqui feeling valued and welcomed
- Peter reporting from a peaceful early morning at Woodbrooke at the Dementia Diaries gathering
- Elaine had to tell somebody so she called Dementia Diaries after a weird ‘vision’
- I am just trying to do my best while I can. I can’t remember when I last did Dementia Diaries ….Why did no-one remind me?
- Carol reports at the end of day one of Dementia Diaries Gathering at Woodbrooke and a Chamomile Tea!
- Wayne reports at the end of Day one of travel to the Dementia Diaries Gathering
- Jacqui has bought an Alexa Echo Dot ….after hearing good things about it!
- Ageist and deficit approaches particularly employed in the presence of Dementia can influence how older people are treated as a social group.
- Lorraine’s first report on her way from Rainham to Birmingham for the Dementia Diaries Gathering
- Keith re-connects with Dementia Diaries
- Carol Planning for Dementia Diaries Gathering Part Two
- Carol’s first report for the Dementia Diaries Gathering – Packing and imagine forgetting your knickers!
- More Tandem Tales and Adventures from The Happy Tandemer
- Just goes to show what we already know, that peer support is the best support
- A powerful bi-lingual recording from Glenda about the importance of Welsh language and dementia support in Wales
- An honest, heartfelt recording from Melvyn about his struggles and how Dementia Diaries helps him
- Maybe the reason you can’t get the emotional and psychological support from professionals is because they don’t know what it is like. Maybe we should offer it to each other?
- Dory’s Saturday Morning Cycling Adventure (part two!)
- Dory’s Cycling Adventure (part one…)
- Jacqui is recreating memories of Durban through her garden
- Melvyn asks who has the right to rule on the withdrawl of medical treatment?
- Hope with new drug trial but why use Eamonn and Ruth on a three quarter page spread AGAIN!
- A quieter week but still trips to the cinema, out on the tandem, in the park and son returning from University
- Time, where does it go? I was catching up on emails this morning, when I realised we are in August. What happened to July? Time doesn’t appear to have any meaning at the moment.
- I have just witnessed one of the most disgusting and blatant abuse of a disabled pensioner who also lives with dementia I have ever seen.
- Jacqui has bought a Wii, has a bigger screen and she can play games to help her with her co-ordination
- Brilliant advice on having a holiday and things to consider from Carol
- ‘With the right help and support we can achieve our dreams even if our dreams are big’
- The goal posts seem to have been moved yet again! It does make me wonder why do they bother to send out expensive staff to do an assessment and then ignore their assessment why not just guess this in the first place.
- Memories of Eddie from Melvyn
- Melvyn pays tribute to a friend from Forget-Me-Nots who has passed away
- Is it okay to pay for your own travel (quite far) for a half hour slot to speak about living with dementia?
- ‘What a difference a week can make’ Dory has been busy and feels much better for it….She is also learning to play the Ukulele!!!
- ‘I turned and saw the sea washing away my foot prints, and for some reason I felt suddenly so very sad, it was as though the sea was washing away my life.’
- The Happy Tandemer on lots more cultural adventures and has even created and sung her own jingle at the end of this recording!
- Melvyn appeals to us all to consider and listen to people who are not academics. People may not be as eloquent but they have passion and care
- ‘I would just like to sit down and talk about my feelings and have real acceptance of who I am now’
- Dory felt really down today and ‘gave myself a good talking to. I’m still the same person and I’ll go for a walk’
- Jacqui likes the ‘Recovery and Discovery’ concept. People can recover voice, control, identity and a place in their relationships and communities
- ‘They had a meeting about me and thought I’d taken a bit of a dip…..I’m not sure of anything really….’
- ‘Feeling overwhelmed by everything that is coming into my head. I find Facebook overwhelming. I need to protect myself’
- Elaine hasn’t been out for a while but is making the most of doing and enjoying her garden (apart from the full green garden waste bin!)
- The Happy Tandemer recalls Brian Blessed in The Mystery Plays after an absolutely marvellous experience seeing Mystery Plays at Chester Cathedral last week
- Wayne’s 8 hour drive to Colwyn Bay via a couple of beeping burger chains – but loving Wales!
- Sharing early morning thoughts with Melvyn
- Jacqui is struggling with side-effects of new medication, depression and lack of support
- Dory has had a stressful day of noise and impatient people ….
- Vivid dreams, poetry and even an ‘erotic’ one (but not here) from Shelagh
- Glenda has been helping with training student nurses.They say it is much better way of training them rather than sitting there looking at photographs
- Tracey describes the anxiety of travelling somewhere you don’t know and the not very helpful staff direction
- ‘That’s it’ said Carol ‘I am now a non-driver’
- Chris shares his experience of living with Fronto-temporal dementia. Dementia Behaviour Shades and Grades.
- The Happy Tandemer has had a great week including a DEEP Meet-UP at Woodbrooke, a swing, and a labyrinth
- Despite getting really nervous Carol enjoys giving talks more than anything else
- ‘Life goes by and it’s what you do with it that counts’
- Anyone else grind their teeth at night? Jacqui has found a solution!
- Dory and Peter reporting from Churchill College Cambridge and Dementia Diaries Live!
- Jacqui continues on the Merry-go-Round of trying to find post-diagnosis support
- Pedal Pete reflects on his Aberystwyth to Aldeburgh Cycle Challenge – a great achievement
- Melvyn’s next PIP on Wednesday
- Being involved in research and also the joy of finding some of her children’s old books with beautiful illustrations
- For the next 9 months there was no support, it was a dark time. I did start to engage on Twitter where I met some wonderful people and organisations that gave me support and encouragement.
- The last assessment was 16 months ago, found I need to be moved into extra care accommodation as I am not safe here. Yes I did say here, as 16 months later I am still here
- Jacqui’s collection reveals many frustrations about post-diagnosis systems, education and support
- Chris Norris reports from ‘GREAT’ – ‘Some people living with dementia are able to take tablets to assist them living with the condition but for those who can’t be prescribed tablets, it is very important for them to be offered what are known as Psychosocial Interventions.’
- The Happy Tandemer is a bit sore after 20 miles on the Tandem!
- Jacqui talks about the ‘cliff-edge’ moment of diagnosis ‘I felt lost and angry and I didn’t know why’
- What a difference a good nights sleep can make
- ‘I felt very sorry for myself ….one has to grieve sometimes.’
- A catch up with Melvyn – it’s hot, PIP goes on and meeting with some friends
- Wayne has been busy doing audits and involved in some work with the British Heart Foundation – but it’s the media (having your photo taken) which he found tiring!
- Elaine had a brilliant day talking to Admiral Nurses. ‘Let’s get them up here in Yorkshire’
- Carol feels privileged to be involved in cognitive rehabilitation research.
- Shelagh’s powerful analogy about the art of Kintsugi (golden joinery) or Kintsukuroi (golden repair)
- ‘Maybe going to the course is accepting I have dementia’
- Mae Glenda yn gwirio ar ol ei thaith i Landrindod trwy draethau tebyg i’r Caribi Outer Hebrides
- Reporting from a DEEP Meet-Up in Llandrindod Wells
- Dory is full of sadness after visiting an old friend and seeing the ‘care home’ environment and restrictive life where and how he now lives
- Carol describes the ‘bombshell’ when a drug trial ends. ‘My world has been shattered…..there is still hope but it better come quickly’
- Peter gives us an update on his Cycle Challenge in aid of Young Dementia UK and his encounter with a Penny Farthing handle bar (ouch)!
- The Happy Tandemer has spent time just admiring the garden and MUCH more besides!
- Jacqui says ‘I may have dementia but I’m not stupid, I’m not slow’
- Nigel’s comment on the recent article in the Guardian written by Polly Toynbee ….’The experiences in the Netherlands where euthanasia for people with dementia happens is sobering and concerning’
- Today is not a good day for Jacqui with bad side-effects from Donepezil
- Carol thanks Brian from the bottom of her heart
- The first recording from Our Voice Matters Group in the DEEP network
- Howard recommends joining your local DEEP group
- Shelagh was disappointed by companies jumping on the band wagon to make money out of dementia. On the whole felt angry, sad and disappointed by the experience
- Jacqui shares her experience of attending and being on a panel at The Alzheimer’s Show in London
- Wendy Mitchell – Sharing the night with dementia
- Jacqui is looking forward to attending a post-diagnosis course and hoping it will help her with strategies also to cope with emotional situations
- The Happy Tandemer has been enjoying the garden and the return of the Robin, but sadly hasnt been out on her tandem as her ‘pilot’ is away on holiday
- As dementia progresses and we can no longer stand on that stage ….
- Agnes is pleased to hear about the research interest in Dementia Diaries and also the opportunity to ask the research questions through the diaries
- Agnes tells us that ‘Self-Management’ is her new magic bullet with 14 years of acquired knowledge and experience
- Dory has a productive but humbling day sharing her experiences of living with dementia with other people living with dementia
- Shelagh is caring for her husband and is fearful of loss
- Mae Glenda wedi bod yn hopio ynys
- Pat has been buying plants and gardening all day
- ‘Living with PCA is like living with a Poltergeist’
- The ‘Happy Tandemer’ danced the bank holiday weekend away and her favourite (by a mile!) was Billy Ocean ….what a dude!
- George is ‘Thinking about how we conduct meetings. We need to do things differently….they are not run on an equitable basis’
- Jacqui is looking forward to reading Keith Oliver’s book
- Hear from Melvyn the ‘Football Pundit’ on England’s chances in the World Cup!
- ‘I am going to the gym, it gives me more energy and my balance has improved’
- People affected with dementia can be routinely be denied the rights and responsibilities of being a fully recognised member of civil society and denied self-determination and autonomy until recently people with dementia were assumed incapable of making any decisions simply because of the presence of dementia.
- For me the relief came with a diagnosis of dementia. It gives you motivation and, surprisingly, freedom
- A weekly update from Melvyn – with such a range of thoughts, experiences and emotions
- A warm welcome to Jacqui from Stockport – this is her first Dementia Diary recording
- Elaine shares the joy of the bird activity in her garden
- Dory asks do you like being called a ‘Service-User’?
- Melvyn’s update and news about his new bike and his new PIP application
- Elaine thought the York Our Right to Get Out and About banner unfurling was fantastic but disappointed in the media
- Howard says “This week has been a busy one and not without challenges.”
- Carol talks about caring for her Mum and dealing with unexpected challenges
- Mhari is ‘The Happy Tandemer’ from the Buddies Group in Leamington Spa and this is her first diary recording
- What Action will you take today? To make someone feel safe
- A compilation treat from Dementia Diaries -the value of nature
- Nigel talks about the value and importance of mediation
- Lorraine’s head is buzzing after a day full of Technology ideas
- Dudley is inspired and motivated to do more after attending the DAA event
- Wayne got the panel wriggling a bit and more questions were raised than answered
- Chris and George reporting from Dementia Action Alliance Technology event in London on May 16th 2018
- The Great Camden Minds doing a quiz but Hugh reckons there may have been a bit of cheating!
- Dory talks about the planning behind going away and how in travelling she has built up her confidence
- Agnes has a response to the announcement that the actress, Barbara Windsor, has dementia
- More powerful memories from Steve of life on the beat
- Agnes has to re-consider self-management ‘Accept, Aware, Adapting and Avoid’ to manage her respiratory condition, which has now put a strain on her heart
- Howard from Sheffield here This is my first time on Dementia Diaries, I’m a bit nervous so I am reading from a script otherwise I will forget what I want to say.
- Mae Glenda wedi bod ar wyliau i Northumberland
- Peter is planning and training for his Aberystwyth to Aldeburgh Cycle Challenge in aid of Young Dementia UK
- The picture of my dad pointing a tea pot spout to a armed German Policeman will remain etched in my memory for ever dementia or not.
- This is me from The Greatest Showman resonates with me. We came out in public, we won’t be hidden away and we’ve become like a family
- If I can’t find something I am looking for a reason for it. Someone’s nicked it or borrowed it or how else do you make sense if something isn’t where you expect it?
- After two year Elaine finally has a bird using her nesting box
- The second of three parts from Melvyn’s morning reflections and we find out how Tally is
- One of three powerful early morning recordings from Melvyn and Tally isn’t well
- Pat from the Life Changes Conference in Perth says You’ll never hae dementia as well as me
- Part Four of Agnes’ trip to Stornoway. United we stand divided we fall. The Callanish Stones epitomised this for me
- Part Three Agnes remarks on the resilience and strength of the island community
- Part Two Agnes gets a warm Isle welcome in Stornoway and finds out about the particular difficulties of transport and island life
- Agnes Part One travels to Stornoway
- Agnes talks about being very fortunate to be working side by side with ECRED. People living with dementia are at the heart of their research
- Characters I used to know. You don’t see folk like this anymore
- Right now is the only time we should be concentrating on
- Agnes having fun in Stornoway just being human!
- Nancy reports having a fantastic time in Stornoway and loving getting her hands dirty!
- James says they have been wondering why they couldn’t get more people to attend the Stornoway event, but apparrently it is hard to get people from the other islands
- Pat is inviting folk to join his group, and him, at his group in Haddington
- Elaine went out for a naughty smoke and saw the most beautiful rainbow she had ever seen
- It is very hurtful when people ignore you, but is it because they just don’t know what to say?
- Nancy reports about a fantastic Scottish DEEP Gathering in Stornoway
- Reflecting on a successful Shropshire DEEP Meet-Up. Letting them know that we are here and they’ve just got to ask us!
- Helo pawb Glenda sy’ ma. Rydw i wedi cael pythefnos reit brysur yn diweddar ma.
- Melvyn’s gentler observations on nature and life
- Melvyn is going to a public consultation with his local MP and there are going to be fireworks. It’s going to be good and exciting!
- Paul’s first diary recording and he thinks it will be a really useful tool for him
- Wendy reporting from York where they have been creating an ‘Our Right to to Get Out and About’ banner with two other groups, Tony Husband and Ian Beesley!
- A big welcome back and great to hear from Eddie from York with a promise of more to come!
- Liz from Scarborough is recording her first diary entry from an event with a few other groups and they are having a few laughs too!
- Mark is from South Sudan, living in Bradford, and has recently been diagnosed with FTD type dementia
- Melvyn shares a little ditty ‘Come what may’
- Think, believe and achieve. If you think about something, you believe in it, you will achieve it and go on
- After a busy day yesterday Elaine, from Minds and Voices in York, is having a quiet one
- James McKillop reporting from Stornoway DEEP Gathering
- There is a lot that can be done to make our stay in hospital easier
- Dory is having a really tough time but she still manages to end her diary recording with a funny story
- Please don’t think I am stupid. At the moment,in fact, I am trying to learn Portuguese
- It feels like being deprived continually of how you were
- The Great Camden Minds DEEP group monthly report
- Helo pawb, Glenda sydd ‘ma. Rydw I wedi bod yn ofnadwy o brysur yr wythnosau dwethaf ‘ma.
- The key is early intervention of the right kind, and I believe OT brings the all the skills practical and social to the table. In my humble opinion may very well be the magic bullet in Dementia Care.
- It gives me a little smile when I meet people living with dementia who are enjoying doing something
- ‘Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day’
- Agnes reporting from Scottish Congress and lots of interest in the Scottish Alumni and Dementia Diaries posters.
- Nancy reporting from the Scottish Congress but she can’t wait to get out on the pitch at Murrayfield!
- Valerie’s second part of her first Diary recording ‘I refuse to be defined by my illness’
- Part Three of Valerie’s first recording ‘I wanted to say how truly happy I was that somebody came up to me and told me how much they loved my latest novel’
- Valerie’s first dementia diaries recording ‘I will never write a book again but I try to make the most of what I can do’
- Tracey talks about the difficulties she finds in using the telephone some days
- Melvyn can’t get to Forget Me Nots without transport. A problem experienced by many.
- Melvyn gets a visit from a cheeky Heron. Isn’t nature a wonderful thing!
- Carol reports on a very busy week of Drug Trials, DEEP Meet Up and meetings
- Good to hear again from Jo who calls whilst out walking the dog
- Jules says ‘Having the ‘D’ word is more than just forgetfulness or being scatty and it gets me wondering about what it is going to be like further down the line’
- What does the ‘dementia fog’ feel like. Agnes says ‘I keep on trying to work as the fog descends’
- Dory is filming with BBC4 for a programme about the NHS at 70!
- Please don’t feel that my last diary entry was a cry for sympathy. Sharing makes us feel better.
- How many times can you bounce back? Agnes feels very vulnerable
- Melvyn recieves his PIP appeal refusal letter
- Dudley from MemoryBilia says thanks to Katie Antill who is moving to pastures new
- Wayne from MemoryBilia has finally had his hearing aids fitted so he will be able to listen back to his diary of everything he has been up to….and it is alot!
- What Lorraine from MemoryBilia has been up to and there’s no time to rest!
- Carol says If you have strong feelings as I do, then speak out, lets make it loud and clear that we have the right to die with dignity.
- Melvyn the stress of grief and PIP has made everything so much worse
- We need to be a force and the only way to have force is to be joined up
- Steve recalls his heart attack and a very scary time
- Karen asks how long will it be before assumptions about what dementia looks like is a thing of the past?
- Dory shares a very personal email of thanks from a daughter who said what a difference Dory made to her and her Mum
- Agnes wonders if ‘new fangled’ gadgets are discriminatory as her gym changes the booking system
- Agnes shares a very positive customer service experience with a heating engineer and is now warm!
- Jules recommends taking a few days out from dementia
- The Lewisham Advocacy DEEP Group having a voice
- Dory reporting on her Dementia Adventure holiday in Scotland
- Everybody in my support network is aware of my wishes, including type of funeral what kind of medical intervention if any even how I want my life celebrated. I think it’s worth noting if you intended attending my funeral you will have to come dressed as a Star Wars character
- Agnes and The Scottish Dementia Alumni DEEP group ask you what does ‘Self-Management’ mean to you?
- Agnes says now it is time to enjoy a good life now that I have settled a good death
- Dory says I would like to die doing something I enjoyed. That would be my perfect death.
- A good death to me means being treated with compassion, being kept comfortable and free from distressing symptoms, and being somewhere I know with people who are close to me.
- Steve You have to take the good with the bad
- Melvyn I’ll do weights for half an hour or three quarters of an hour, no longer now though, I’ve cut that down; my body won’t let me do it any longer because of the dementia – that’s pretty worrying
- Agnes says thanks to you all who are part of the DEEP network and Dementia Diaries
- Wendy reports from The Dementia Design School The wonderful thing about this event was that we were not just there to listen we were listened to A two way learning process the only sort I like.
- Agnes reporting from Dementia Design says Think Dementia Think Sensory Think GOOD Design
- The Great Camden Minds DEEP Group say hello to Dementia Diaries and what they enjoy about the group
- Marian talks about living in sheltered housing and having the choice to be with others or by herself
- Charles from Up and Go talks about the return of his childhood stutter with dementia
- Rosa from Up and Go talks with Nicky regarding public perceptions about dementia
- Bob says hello from Up and Go DEEP Group at The West Yorkshire Playhouse
- Melvyn asks where is it going to end? There is no help for mental health
- Ac eto wnes i mwynhae y conference, neis gweld a cyfarfod a pobol sydd yn deall ni.
- Steve feels a wave of devastation at the loss of his brother in law Bill
- Rosie reporting from MacIntyre Dementia Project on behalf of the Dementia Team
- Melvyn is dreading his PIP review at the end of March and feels like nobody cares
- Melvyn believes together we must sort the NHS out
- Dory says Words DO Matter
- Tracey says that ever day we put our foot forward and we fight living with dementia
- Shelagh says my newest thing is I dress inappropriately
- Jules decides to start to tell people she has dementia but do they believe her
- Agnes side by side with people living with dementia at the Alumni Group
- Peter talks about training for his sponsored cycle ride in aid of Young Dementia UK with aching limbs and a happy heart
- Tom is a great believer in person centred care and talks about it in his first recording from MemoryBilia for Dementia Diaries
- Dudley in his first recording shares his experience of driving the DVLA and his doctor
- Wayne makes his first brilliant diary recording from MemoryBilia
- Fantastic first diary recording from the VERY busy Lorraine Brown
- Dory reports from The Dementia Conference 2018 in Llandudno
- Tracey is having work done in the house and finding the chaos very difficult
- Karen shows how much getting together as DEEP means to her
- Karen is involved in an access to beaches and sand dunes project and wants us to consider the positives of the experience not just the problems
- George wants us to put our heads together to develop an intuitive travel app
- Glenda yn adrodd yn Gymraeg o ger Pwllheli
- Carol says I certainly try to live well
- Steve shares a memory from his police days about Charlie down the well
- Agnes was safe and warm in the snow but at what cost
- Jules would really like Mrs Personal Independence to meet Mrs Dementia
- Dory shares her thoughts on a good and a bad day in Gloucester
- Jules would like some ideas please about how to deal with Sundowning
- Fantastic first diary entry from Jules about young onset dementia, support and work
- Dory reporting from The Old Brewery Bake Off Day
- Tracey tells us about her second visit to the PCA Support Group in London
- Dory has not been feeling too good but is looking ahead to a busy March and hoping she will feel better
- Glenda is a Welsh speaker living in a small Welsh speaking community which is why she finds it hard to speak in English now
- Glenda tells us a bit more about herself and on living in rural Wales
- Melvyn hopes that his diary recordings will help others who are grieving after a bereavement
- Keith gives the backstage news from recording at the BBC for The Victoria Derbyshire Show
- There are wonderful Teresa’s, Tracey’s, Kate’s, Chris’s, Nigel’s, Agnes’s and so many other wonderful people living the best they can with dementia
- Melvyn getting frustrated with the bureaucracy of setting up a Buddy Group
- Dory has had a tough weekend and doesn’t like to think about the future
- Melvyn pays tribute to Reinhard Guss on giving 5 years commitment to the East Kent Forget Me Nots
- Tracey shares some insight and information from her Speech and Language Therapist
- Keith reflects on a positive media experience filming for the Victoria Derbyshire Show
- Steve talks about more strange encounters in Stockport and bubble wrap is also involved
- Carol says I try to avoid thinking about the later stages of my dementia
- Shelagh says that my sister’s acceptance and disregard for my dementia is very special indeed
- George reports about the fantastic benefits of the allotment project at Educate
- Dory reflects on a visit to Educate and their allotment project in Stockport
- Dory leads a recording from Educate in Stockport with Steve, Jo, George and Derek
- John says all the help that you get out there wouldnt really matter as you have the loneliness inside yourself that you have to deal with
- Agnes says since my diagnosis I have few visitors I want to chase away the silence and the isolation I am feeling
- Melvyn is thinking about the future and weighing up his options
- Steve quite unexpectedly saw an elephant walking backwards
- Steve shares a memory of being left handed in the fifties
- Peter reports about the DEMCOM Study event in London about Dementia Friendly Communities
- Agnes and Nancy together in Glasgow and Mojitos are involved
- Melvyn looking out of the window and reflecting
- Tracey says be kind to ourselves we cannot be positive all of the time
- Dory making really good connections at the launch of Cheshire and Wirral DEEP groups
- Round to Glenda for cakes we think
- Agnes experiences difficulties reading the Wendy Mitchell book but catches it on BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week
- Carol February Poem
- Carol is taking stock of her dementia and coming up with some great strategies
- Melvyn asks would you rather have the gun in your hand or the gun at your head
- Steve tells the tale of Dixon’s Dodgers evolving to become Eastwood’s Evaders
- Agnes talks about the challenges of her Diary
- Melvyn says the more I look at The Allotment of Time book the more I like it
- Melvyn reads The Sleeping Beauty by Wilfred Owen
- Yvie talking with Frances about her first visit to the Brecon Meeting Centre
- Carol reporting from Brecon Meeting Centre
- Agnes had a fantastic trip to Haddington talking about DEEP and Dementia Diaries
- Glenda is as busy as ever but delighting in the hedgerow and snowdrops whilst walking the dog
- Steve reporting from Stockport Educate I have done a fair amount of talks and helping the educate programme with their training programme along with all the other educaters.
- The words of Wendy Mitchell on the publication date of Somebody I Used To Know There are two sides to every story and this is MY story
- Shelagh talks about a loss around food. Compromising with ready meals going against her grain
- Melvyn reflecting on loss and thinking about the future
- Steve Memories – Should I tell the truth?
- Steve says You will remember and you will be glad, Remember remember you know you should, Remember remember if only you could
- Carol is delighted to get back to a normal routine after Christmas and New Year
- Pat living with dementia and having a voice
- Agnes calling from Haddington with ten other voices too!
- Shelagh would like to hear from other people about incontinence and how do you remember to change your pad?
- Karen is concerned about a meeting about story telling with none of the story tellers there
- Shelagh says I had the feeling, and I know it to be true, that death would be a release
- Dory feeling angry about thoughtless and hurtful comments – Why would anybody pretend to have dementia
- George says that I started thinking a little too much about dementia and symptoms, being out here and just looking around the fields, I feel the sun, I can hear the birds starting to sing a bit, it really does you good
- Glenda had a great time playing the Ukulele with school children and appearing on S4C
- Melvyn is delighted with his book about Age UK Exeter Project ‘The Allotment of Time’
- John back again from Belfast – this is a great thing!
- John says ‘Belfast calling’ with a visit from Philly about Dementia Diaries
- Melvyn – Part Two – ‘We worked hard for what we have and now they call us ‘bed-blockers”
- A powerful reflection by Melvyn of how life was for him and his family 40 years ago
- Agnes likes the idea of A Friendly Face – especially when she was in bed with flu
- Annie appeals to us all to campaign for Blue Badges and also gets a ‘Yes’ from Teresa May for a Dementia Strategy
- Melvyn’s catch up and how they are setting up a Buddy scheme
- Dory highlights the benefit of peer support in sharing information that you might not be told or know about
- Shelagh feels less resilient ‘one more thing that frightens me’
- Annie says ‘Hooray for Dementia Friends’
- Dory has concerns about Dementia Friends
- Agnes is grateful for the efforts taken to make her feel included
- Two of my peers were both sectioned over the Christmas period and having visited them I wondered what dementia teaches us
- Wendy – Imagine a world without dementia
- Glenda is off to learn how to play the ukulele today!
- Shelagh asks does anyone else have visits from ‘The Puttie-Downers’?
- Agnes says ‘I needed help to be all I could be’
- Tracey used to love listening to music but now finds that it irritates her brain
- George says that actually slowing down over Christmas has been quite good for him
- Carol’s poem ‘January is here’
- Dory hopes for more peer support for 2018 and talks about how much it has helped her and others
- Shelagh starting the new year feeling terribly blue and coping with the post-Christmas chaos
- John asks why we don’t get the same support after a diagnosis of dementia as those with cancer
- Annie talks about what to do on those ‘glass half empty’ days ….
- Peter talking about a sense of purpose and having something to strive forward for
- Tracey gives some great tips about equipment and changes to enable at home
- Melvyn shares the joy and the comfort of his two dogs – Tally and Bonny
- Melvyn ‘It is half past 11 at night and I want you to listen to this …..silence’
- Melvyn talks about the comfort of strangers
- Agnes wants to show the true side of living with dementia on her adventure today
- Glenda had a stressful Christmas and is looking forward to getting back to normal
- Annie talks about what Santa did and didn’t bring this Christmas
- A day in the life of Dory – involving exploding red wine
- George says ‘Keep you eyes open, see the minute detail in life’
- Dory’s 7th and final silly Christmas Story
- Dory’s 6th Silly Christmas Story …involving canapes…
- Shelagh shares a quote she has been looking for for a long time – All nature grows in the dark…
- Dory’s 5th Silly Christmas Story involving a near miss with a hot flannel
- Dory Silly Story for Christmas Number 4 and encounters with a bike
- Agnes says be kind to yourself this Christmas
- Carol says I hope that once Christmas is over I will get back to where I was before
- Dory’s Christmas Silly Story Number Three (We know you have been waiting with baited breath!)
- Peter wishes everybody a Happy Christmas and make lots of memories!
- Dory’s Silly Story Number Two (2 for the price of 1 here folks!)
- “It is better to stand in the dark with a friend, than stand alone in the light”
- Agnes Part Two – The journey back to Glasgow and thoughts on assisted travel
- Agnes has a frightening, uncertain and scary trip to Nottingham – ‘stuff went wrong’
- A very personal thank you to everybody for all your support from Melvyn on the day of Jan’s funeral
- The first of 7 silly stories from Dory for Christmas – to give everyone a smile!
- Tracey talks about being really busy for two weeks and then it takes it’s toll
- Melvyn wants help to take his hospital to task – I can’t do it alone
- Shelagh says this has really played on her mind. What do we do when carers are cruel?
- Dory talks about a series of losses for her friends going in to care
- Dory says if anybody else is feeling the pressure of Christmas you are not alone
- Carol says the old me would be really excited about Christmas
- Carol shares her experience of taking part in LEAP at Dementia UK and a leap of faith travelling to London alone
- Shelagh asks why we do not talk about assisted dying
- Shelagh asks What are the worst things that people say to you
- Dory tells us a story about Christmas Eve working in a cake shop
- Glenda feeling really tired today and staying at home with the log burner
- Melvyn is going to take everyone to task
- Glenda says it is okay to have a cry
- Glenda off to a Dementia Friendly screening of White Christmas
- Tracey has a terrible experience with TalkTalk
- Glenda reports on a fantastic holiday despite the weather
- My story behind Dory
- Melvyn a deeply moving poem and talking about loss and grief
- George says get out there walk and dig
- Dory reporting from Dementia Adventure Special Interest Group
- Cerdyn post gan Glenda
- Melvyn thank you for all your support and kindness
- Tommy reporting I would just like to have a little say about changes in behaviour
- Tracey talks about the importance of taking part in research doing rather than reading
- A moving account from Carol of crying and uncontrollable emotions
- Melvyn would like to hear what do we actually achieve
- Wendy We made the biggest impact with the loudest voices and shared the most laughs
- Jo Bennett says it was good to see old friends and new at Dementia Congress
- Melvyn feeling mentally exhausted after the sad loss of his brother
- Tracey says take control of your life
- People are becoming more involved with us, not for us
- Dory reports on peer support taking great shape in North Wales
- Nancy sharing wonderful stories about her trip to Poolewe
- We need simplicity and clarity, consistency of approach, non risk averse, personalised support, for us and our families to continue to live as we choose, doing what makes us happy
- Important we get hotel accommodation right!
- People do not realise the the amount of effort we have to put in
- Dory and Joy having fun in London!
- Dementia is more than memory loss
- Dory educates her taxi driver
- I have bought a lovely little black reporter book!
- It feels like nothing has changed in the last 10 years since I have been diagnosed
- I wanted to give my thanks to Keith Oliver who spoke about human rights and PIP
- I had a fantastic time in Birmingham!
- I need space around me
- Twitter is a good thing but this is a warning about the dangers
- Reporting back after the UN Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- George discusses medication and use of a dosette box for his different pills
- Keith Oliver should have a knighthood, it’s just a privilege knowing him!
- We need proper funding for the NHS. I want to do something. But i’m exhausted
- “I’m quite likely to die of Alzheimer’s, especially if I get run over by a bus. This is ridiculous”
- “I have donated my brain to science when I die”
- Alan reads the news: “A drug to combat Alzheimer’s before it starts could be closer”
- “I would like to know about opportunities to take part in psycho-social dementia research”
- “Since 2013, the amount of (dementia) drug trials has doubled”
- “Regular exercise in midlife helps ward off dementia in old age”
- “I just feel so lonely. Being a carer you are lonely anyway and even more so with dementia.”
- “It was a very interesting and informative meeting”
- “It was a horrible feeling – dread, despair, panic. Have any of you done what I did yesterday?”
- “People who support us have to have a break, but it does affect us”
- “If I can help anybody with dementia or go into any research I’m quite prepared to do so!”
- “We’ve got secret garden for people with dementia”
- “Take as much stress off your family as you can and express your wishes”
- “Travel can be stress free if you inform the operators that you are travelling with them beforehand”
- “Get your legal affairs in order now while you still can. It’s a good idea”
- “I am absolutely devastated” – Melvyn remembers Max
- “Smile through your tears”
- “It is important that we find new ways to diagnose the disease early” – Alan reads the news
- “Getting lost seems to be part of this Alzheimer’s lark”
- “This is one of my very happy places, I like sitting here and listening to the water”
- Dementia-friendly GPs – “We could be at the beginning of some monumental change”
- “Although I can walk, I still can’t run. Why does it make me so cross?”
- “I co-chaired the forget me nots meeting for the first time”
- Summary of findings from the evaluation of Dementia Diaries
- “I have my own travel agent in house. Fabulous holiday. It was incredibly dementia friendly”
- “I’m all for going up to the houses of parliament and protesting”
- “Quite a lot going on! By the time I get home I’m usually really tired”
- “I’ve had an absolutely wonderful day doing my yoga outside with my daughter”
- “I’ve certainly made lots of friends since being diagnosed with dementia”
- “I can read. I can still read, but i can’t read my writing! That’s awful”.
- “It was a pretty dangerous situation. We were close to the rocks”
- “Advanced Care Planning is very important. The burden of my future is not put on my family”
- “The ignorance that surrounds this dreadful disease we’ve got is staggering”
- “Last week I went to hospital to see the nurse and I got 29 out of 30 on a memory test”
- “I have given up and cry in frustration at myself that I can’t remember things”
- “Never in a million years did I think I would be chatting to a real life princess”
- “Can’t summon up any energy to do anything positive, just watch the rain”
- “This is a message for Tomofumii Tanno in Japan”
- “My first holiday since I was diagnosed, I was extremely worried about the travel arrangements”
- “I am looking forward to having another day of knowing what i am doing”
- “Lots of laughter, lots of catching up, feeling so much better now”
- “For me dementia means that my thinking process isn’t the same as everybody else’s”
- “They sort of treat me as one of them again”
- ” After my diagnosis my GP never saw me again concerning my dementia”
- “Once again, that’s a very good idea, but a lot more needs to be done”
- “I do live well even though I have Alzheimer’s”
- “Can we possibly ever have a world without dementia?”
- “I don’t think that my dementia prevented from enjoying the break any the less”
- “For us to live well with this awful disease, a little more understanding and love would help”
- “My thoughts about the makings of an effective group”
- “I wanted to tell you all about a new wee group that we set up”
- “My wife is just such courageous and inspiring lady, I wish I could turn it back”
- “Something like this in Spain would be fantastic”
- “We all have a choice in our communities”
- Mental Health Awareness Week #MHAW2016
- Designing a dementia-friendly website
- Mental Health Awareness Week #MHAW2016
- SPORTS RELIEF: Anne and Agnes in conversation
- “Their perceptions of what a person with dementia is like had changed dramatically”
- “We do a lot talking and we do a lot of laughing, but we do get things done”
- “Rosemary is not my carer, she is my wife, who cares for me and I’m her husband, and I care for her”
- “Wow, I wish all of you could have been there”
- “Just think if I hadn’t had Alzheimer’s, I’d be probably still bored with everything.”
- “If I could pick my favourite people to speak to, it would be to students.”
- “It’s the most amazing thing I have done”
- “Had breakfast in Rotterdam, lunch in Brussels and dinner in Luxembourg.”
- “I’m running fine now and did a 10K event in Cyprus”
- “Since being diagnosed I found it harder and harder to use the telephone”
- “At the moment we’re both really great”
- “On Tuesday was our 30th wedding anniversary”
- “Having the diagnosis of dementia, can you be a police witness?”
- “Going to do some training with some students”
- “How are they able to care properly for the people that need the care?”
- “Can people with dementia self-manage?”
- “We will be able to carry on challenging – and maybe extend our repertoire.”
- “Everyone were interested in the Dementia Diaries.”
- “I’m going to talk to some students about Alzheimer’s”
- “I was aware of the Butterfly Scheme, and tried and spoke about it in Scotland.”
- “I received a get well card together with a beautiful bunch of tulips.”
- “I was told I’ve got Alzheimer’s, short-term memory loss.”
- “It’s difficult to remember how it all started.”
- “Who says you can’t have dementia and fun?”
- “What a wonderful evening we all had at the Barbican!”
- “We’re actually having a meeting today and everything seems to be going very well.”
- “Over recent months my hubby thought that my condition was deteriorating.”
- “We keep being told that there isn’t any familial link.”
- “Many people have a difficult time talking with doctors or nurses.”
- The Mirror: Our dementia diagnosis stories
- “Slowly, slowly you feel that you are losing the grip on yourself.”
- “I think it’s so important to keep those links, to keep yourself motivated and active.”
- “Preventative measures seem far more realistic and should be encouraged.”
- “More exercise walking there and back which is supposed to help the Alzheimer’s”
- “Today was a bad day. We went out and I just couldn’t do anything right.”
- “It allows us to speak our minds and to show that dementia is not debilitating.”
- “I want to tell you about the place where we live.”
- “If that’s not living well with dementia, I don’t know what is!”
- Positive News: the Dementia Diaries
- “In our community dementia is taboo. If you are diagnosed, it is because you have done something wrong in your life”
- Diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life is over
- “We should be exempt, people with dementia and other life threatening diseases.”
- “The more we talk about dementia the bigger things are going to improve.”
- “Keep up the good work everybody!”
- “It’s very heartfelt…”
- “I was invited to speak to RNIB staff about living with dementia”
- “The biggest problem with dementia isn’t how the person behaves, it’s that people do not know how to behave with them anymore”
- “All of them understand a lot more about dementia than adults do”
- “My wife is so inspiring!”
- “People with dementia are still able to sing even when memories are hard to recall.”
- “I have short-term memory problems, getting worse all the time.”
- “So, into 2016 we go. I wonder what this year has in store.”
- “I haven’t mentioned how valuable our carers are and how much we appreciate them.”
- “Well, it’s been a very busy fortnight. Unbelievable!”
- “I still feel healthy, although tired at times, but that’s living with dementia.”
- “Society needs to help unlock the potentials of the individual with dementia.”
- “I actually hate that word ‘journey’ when we discuss dementia.”
- “Who makes the decision that you can’t drive?”
- “I’ve got a poor me head on today.”
- “It’s getting me down a bit actually, I’m worrying about it.”
- “I’ve not been too good. But I’m coming out of it.”
- “We were interviewed about how we use technology”
- “Kent and Canterbury Hospital was very dementia friendly”
- “What really struck me was how fortunate I am to have the support systems in this country”
- “I don’t want to use the ‘s’ word…struggling”
- “We are the experts in dementia”
- Our work in the media
- Diagnosis and dementia
- Loss
- Having a voice
- Memories
- “That is the reality of having dementia and surviving on disability benefit.”
- “It’s funny, we hardly talk about dementia, as it happens.”
- “It’s horrendous trying to sort stuff out and date stuff.”
- “Social care…”
- “It just seems to be a mish mash of do this, do that.”
- “Dementia Diaries has given the dementia world, for want of a better word, a really good evidence base of different people’s experience.”
- “Time is not my friend. Telling the time is such a challenge now.”
- “My frustrations is around having the physical health but not the mental health.”
- “How cool it’d be to have a companion that doesn’t try to finish my sentences for me”
- “We need more of this to take away the stigma of dementia”
- “Make A Point About Young Onset Dementia”
- The project is about people who have just had a diagnosis and don’t have anywhere to go and talk
- My thoughts around Robin Williams and his untimely and very sad end
- 2020 (Archive)
- 2018 (Archive)
- “We have only just begun to educate society to live with dementia”
- Door Into Dementia
- Day 1: Jo Bennett, Stockport
- Day 2: Phillip Watmough, Bedford
- Day 3: Agnes Houston, Glasgow
- Day 4: John Williams, Liverpool
- Day 5: Paul Hitchmough, Liverpool
- Day 6: Joy Watson, Salford
- Day 7: Keith Oliver, Kent
- Day 8: Tommy Dunne, Liverpool
- Day 9: Eric Batten, Stockport
- Day 10: Anne MacDonald, Glasgow
- Day 11: James Tomlinson, Bedford
- Day 12: Alice Sands, Stockport
- Day 13: Chris Forse, Bedford
- Day 14: Melvyn Brooks, Kent
- Day 15: Chris Norris, Kent
- Day 16: Paul Hitchmough, Liverpool
- Day 17: Jo Bennett, Stockport
- Day 18: Phill Watmough, Bedford
- Day 19: Agnes Houston, Glasgow
- Day 20: Joy Watson, Salford
- Day 21: Gina Shaw, Liverpool
- Day 22: John Williams, Liverpool
- Day 23: Tommy Dunne, Liverpool
- Day 24: Anne MacDonald, Glasgow
Young on-set dementia
- The reality of being a younger person with dementia – I just want to be me
- Keith Oliver reports on the sales of his fantastic book Walk the Walk Talk the Talk
- Carol says I enjoy keeping busy quiet days are bad for me
- Tracey says it is so important to get across our good and bad days
- Carol share her 1st Report that People with dementia can and do live well
- Tracey talks about how much she loves going out to do talks about living with dementia
- Launch of A Friendly Face (Peer Support) went really well!
- Dory announces the launch of A Friendly Face
- “Making sure that dementia doesn’t hold me back”
- “People with young onset dementia’s needs are not being met”