Creative Writing Coursework

Dementia: Do we know enough?

Affecting over 46.8 million people a year; dementia is truly a global health issue. In the UK alone, there are 850,000 sufferers and by the year 2025 this number is expected to rise to over one million.

Unfortunately, my grandfather suffered from the disease, so therefore I feel very strongly about getting awareness for it as a whole. Sadly, my grandfather passed not long ago, but although it was devastating, I was grateful that his dementia never developed into the later stages; as I know some aren’t so lucky. At my grandfather’s home, I saw the disease affect other people in ways you couldn’t imagine; and not only that but I saw the effect it had on the family members who didn’t know what to do to help. People need to be educated - particularly relatives of sufferers - about what the disease actually does to a person and how it affects them personally as well as what they can do to help. 

What is dementia?

Dementia is not actually a disease in itself – it is a word that describes a group of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop working properly. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, which often develops slowly over several years; which is what my grandfather had suffered with. At first, he was repeating himself in conversation and forgetting recent events. But as it developed it got worse and worse and lead to things like leaving the oven on, forgetting where he parked the car and worst of all, forgetting to eat. This is when it became clear to us that he would be safer in a dementia home where people were available to help him 24/7. Although this was an extremely hard decision for my mum and uncle to make; it turned out to be one of the best.

The place where he lived was called ‘The Grove’. It provided a safe environment that was adapted to the unique needs of residents with dementia, so they could enjoy as much independence and mental and physical stimulation as possible. One of the things that stood out at The Grove, was a feature called ‘Memory Lane’. This is a model of a 1950’s village to help residents remember their past. It has an old, traditional pub and a quaint post office and greengrocers. In them are found props from the past, such as cigars, oxo adverts, ration books and old chocolate bar wrappers. This was such an effective way to take my grandfather’s mind off of everything and just to make him smile and think of his past life.

Looking through old photographs and old videos is perfect to do with a dementia sufferer as memories come flooding back to them… and we all know how much grandma and grandad like to talk about the past! My mum made my grandfather a book of his life; he loved it. I think that family members of sufferers should be encouraged to make one, as not only does it lift the spirits of the sufferer themselves but also the rest of the family as it reminds them what a great life that they’ve had before they were diagnosed. However, life shouldn’t stop at diagnosis! Taking them out to different places and going to different events in the early stages is a perfect way to keep the sufferer happy. Personally, my grandfather never knew that he had been diagnosed as we thought it’d be the best way and would prevent him from getting confused. So, taking him out for a hot chocolate and a cake, to see a local play, or even just taking the dog for a walk, are all ways to make it seem like life is just carrying on as normal. 

What is already being done?

Compared to other diseases, Dementia research is hugely underfunded by the government – this must stop. The National Institutes of Health spends over $6 billion a year on cancer research, over $4 billion on heart disease research and over $3 billion on HIV/AIDS research. But it spends only $480 million on Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer’s Research UK is a charity increasingly revealing the causes of Dementia and the steps that can be taken to prevent or slow its advance. Another charity; The Alzheimer’s Society, does an enormous amount to help those suffering with the disease and also the family members, however they rely heavily on money from the public. This is another way you can help – joining a walk/run or a fundraiser to help raise money for these charities; so they can carry out the work that needs to be done to become closer to tackling this awful disease.

Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that affects so many throughout the world. Hopefully one day there will be a cure; but for now, we need to focus on being positive for the sufferers and continuing to give them the best life possible.