Dementia – Jaidan’s Story

Many people are uneducated about dementia. Below, I have answered some key questions and spoke about my experience with dementia so that we can all get involved in learning, educating, and supporting people within the community.

What is it?

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain causing a decline in cognitive function. 

The early symptoms are memory loss, ability to carry out everyday tasks, behaviour changes and reduced concentration.

Who can get it?

Simple… Anyone!

5 LESSONS TO REMEMBER

1. Dementia is not a natural part of aging.
2. It is caused by diseases of the brain.
3. It is possible to live well with dementia.
4. It is not just about memory loss.
5. There is more to the person that the dementia.

What can I do?

Become a Dementia friend – A Dementia Friend is a person who learns about dementia to support their community. Visit the link below for more information.  https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/ 

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk – Each year, Alzheimer’s Society host a memory walk in a number of locations for people to come together and raise money for the charity. For more information please click on the link below. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/memorywalk 

Take Action – Taking action does not have to be time consuming or extravagant, every action counts! Here are some ideas:

– Visit someone with Dementia.

– Volunteer or take part in the Memory Walk.

– Make a donation.

– If you see someone within your community who seems to have some of the early 

symptoms of dementia, be patient with them.

– Become a Dementia Friend.

How has Dementia affected me?

Meet Brenda….

This is Brenda, my grandma who is 83 years old in June. In the photo you see a sweet, innocent, smiley lady but don’t be fooled as she is brilliantly strong, extremely humorous, and most definitely always up to no good!  

Growing up, Brenda always took my cousins and I to the caravan in Mablethorpe, and we made the most amazing memories. We got to run on the beaches, explore the outdoors, play all day long and we had a really great time together.

However, Brenda now doesn’t know who I am and cannot remember the memories we made because she has Dementia. Each time I visit, Brenda doesn’t know my name, but she does know I am someone that has been involved in her life.

It is certainly tough having a family member dealing with dementia, but it does not stop us having fun, we just create different avenues of fun such as:

– Listening to old classic music.

– Singing rhymes from our childhoods.

– Going on a short walk.

– Eating our favourite dessert together.

– Taking my dog to visit.

Brenda is still my incredible grandmother, and she does not let dementia define her.

‘I yet have no cure, let me give you an introduction

I cause confusion and impact cognitive function,

Let’s come together and spread the word about me

Because my name is dementia, we will get a cure, just wait, and see!

Get involved and support your community.