Living with Dementia – the experience of dementia
There are many excellent sources of information to be found on the experience of living with dementia, but they may be difficult to access by busy carers and largely take no account of the culture of Irish people. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel, we are blessed to be able to draw upon some of the excellent resources of Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The personal stories, different Irish accents, ways of speaking and humour are likely to be familiar and comforting to anxious carers.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: The experience of getting a dementia diagnosis 3.52 minutes
People with dementia, family members and professionals discuss the difficulty of getting or giving a diagnosis of dementia. People and carers often relieved on getting a diagnosis, and the start of a journey not the end.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: First steps – it’s good to talk about dementia 6.56 mins
Two Irish people diagnosed with dementia. Talk about their problems and the difficulty of getting a diagnosis. Both learning to live with it, telling friends, how they are trying to live as well as possible. Importance of avoiding isolation and need to plan for future.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: Living with Alzheimer’s 3.30 minutes
Joe and April English talk about their life, Joe’s diagnosis of early onset dementia and how he is “fighting".
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: Seán Dónal O Shea’s story 4.28 minutes
Talks about first signs of mother’s diagnosis, irritation, misunderstanding lack of conversation, acceptance.
AlzTalks 2018: Kevin Quaid Irish Dementia Working Group 10.20 minutes
Kevin Quaid talks about getting a diagnosis of Lewy body Dementia and how this tends not to affect memory but other aspects of life. Humorous, articulate and great example of positive living. Importance of talking to family and making decisions. Talks about stigma.
Alzheimer’s Society 2018: Bookcase Analogy 6.17 minutes
The experience of dementia has been described using the analogy of a bookcase. Although there are some critics, this model offers a simple way of explaining how dementia affects the person. Discusses factual and emotional memories and provides everyday examples to illustrate. However it must be remembered that everybody is different.
Social Care Institute for Excellence : Living with Young Onset Dementia 10.28 minutes
About people diagnosed before age of 65, but some experiences common to most dementias. Highlights some ways of helping people to adjust and cope with problems. Discusses rehabilitation and learning to live with changes and the importance of peer support, empowerment, choice and the right to make own decisions.
AlzTalks 2016: How I live with Alzheimer’s in my fifties 18.57 Minutes
Kathy Ryan from Tipperary gives a good account of symptoms and experiences and getting a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia. A sad story but also positive and inspiring about how to have meaning and purpose in life. Although early onset, useful account of symptoms and positive role model for anybody newly diagnosed.
Alzheimer’s Society: Wendy’s story – getting diagnosed and staying connected – 2.45 minutes
Wendy – a former NHS social worker talks about diagnosis and how she has adapted her life to adjust and stay connected.