Dementia. A word which evokes such a broad range of emotions, depending on your experience and understanding. Apparently it's the most feared illness in the over 50's. Yes those living with the disease tell us that it is possible to live well with dementia. I've made these web pages to bring together some of the amazing resources that are available for people living with dementia, for their friends and families, health professionals and others, like me, who are interested to know more. One thing that I have heard time and again is how people living with dementia and their families can feel isolated, as friends stop visiting and going out becomes more challenging. So, my message is simple: if you know someone with dementia, continue to nurture your relationship with them. Equip yourself with knowledge and understanding from all the resources available and be a person who will make a positive contribution to their lives as they seek to live well with dementia.
I should add a disclaimer - I haven't read the content on all the pages of all the websites I provide links to! I don't necessarily endorse all the views and opinions expressed!
The amount of information available on the internet about dementia can be overwhelming so I have tried to categorise it in a way that will hopefully make it easy to navigate. But there are many sites that could fit into more than one category. If you know of a helpful resource that is not listed please contact me and I'll add it in. I have primarily listed sites within the UK.
Recommended Reading Where Memories Go by Sally Magnusson by John Swinton Dementia: Living in the Memories of God Dementia from the Inside by Dr Jennifer Bute with Louise Morse Dementia: The one stop guide by June Andrews Dementia: Frank and Lindas Story by Louise Morse The End of Life Namaste Care Program for People with Dementia by Joyce Simard Dancing with Dementia by Christine Bryden Person Centred Dementia Care by Dawn Brooker and Isabelle Latham
Of course, spiritual wellbeing goes beyond faith, but these resources focus on providing support to people living with dementia through their Christianfaith: