David Cowie - Guest Blog

David has chosen to share how Dementia has effected his family as his Gran and Grandmother were both effected.

Above is one of the last pictures he had taken with his Gran- she was my best friend, and I choose to remember her as the bright, loving and funny Gran I grew up with.

David shares his own story below - I thought I would share some thoughts on how dementia has hit our family. One Grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and my other Gran, who has recently passed away, was diagnosed with Dementia, however they were never really sure what type she had. My Gran that passed away, Isabel, was living by her self, self sufficient and apart from the usual old age problems, was doing well. Suddenly, over a few days she began to hallucinate and become violent towards those closet to her, she was admitted to hospital and over the next two years she deteriorated, one day knowing who we were, to the next, being forgotten forever. My other Grans condition is much slower, and thankfully she still remembers from time to time who I am, however, the thought of her forgetting us all is hard to think about. Unless you have experienced Dementia I think it is impossible to explain the hurt and anguish it causes family's, and how scary it is for the person who is suffering from it. It is extremely hard to watch the person you love slowly slip away, as they slowly forget you and the love they have for you, whilst you are left learning to love the new person that appears through the fog that is Dementia. For some there is a long goodbye, with others like my Gran it was a change overnight, and we never really got to say goodbye. When it came to social care and support, getting the Doctors to realise there was a problem was difficult at the start, however once we did get the help, it was incredible. My Gran was admitted quickly into a ward and then moved into permanent home in East Ayrshire Hospital, the staff were exceptional, highly trained and made such a difference to her care and well being. In her last year with us she was transferred to Hatton Lee Care Home in Bellshill, so she could be closer to family. I have never seen such a dedicated bunch of care professionals, who do there utmost to ensure each person is treated as a person, unique and special, and not just a number. I am touched at the care and support you have given your Mum, she must be incredibly proud of you as must your family. Dementia is just a horrid disease, it gets me so angry when I think about, however your page has been of comfort to me, seeing your Mum have her good days and the precious new memories you are making, and her bad days, and how positive you are when dealing with them and the setbacks life throws at you. I truly wish you all the best, you have a great page and have achieved so much, thank you for the time you spend in keeping it updated, and for sharing your journey, I hope you can use some of this for Dementia Awareness week, it can truly happen to any one, and can be a long or quick process. It certainly doesn't discriminate! Thank you for sharing your story David, it is helping highlight how everyones journey is so different. It is hard for people to open up and speak but awareness is key and this will definitely help.