Something that is sadly very common in advanced dementia is the decline of the swallowing reflex. The condition, known as dysphagia, is extremely distressing for both the person affected and those caring for them, and can be fatal, either directly…
A ‘can do’ attitude
Watching Paralympians you cannot help but be inspired by their ‘can do’ attitude. For these athletes, there is no barrier too great or no dream they cannot fulfil, which for a society that so often sees the negative before the…
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Having dementia should never change the way someone is viewed or respected, yet sadly it often does. Many people are unable to see beyond the disease to the person within, and as a result, it is frequently considered acceptable to…
Putting your head above the parapet
Anyone who knows me will confirm that I am not afraid to speak up, firmly but fairly, if something is wrong. With TV programmes and magazines extolling the rights of the consumer, complaining about goods and services is something most…
Dementia’s emotional rollercoaster
Living with dementia is one of the toughest challenges any family can face. Emotions become raw and brutally exposed, and the constant question of, “Why did our loved one develop this?” is a harrowing, often daily, exercise in trying to…
