Diary Friday 30th June 2017
@arthurchappell (44941)
Preston, England
July 1, 2017 2:44pm CST
My first full day back in Preston, which feels a little disorientated after nearly three weeks away.
I got paid my welfare money today which coincided with two public events to attend. The first was a moving presentations by a lady from Dementia Friends, a support group for sufferers from all kind of Dementia, including of course, Alzheimer’s, and the group supports carers and family members relating to sufferers too.
With an estimated 185,000 people inflicted with these terrible diseases, which can be slowed down but not as yet cured, the society shows the importance of support, breaking through social stigma and showing that there can still be much quality of life to be had.
Dementia is not a natural or inevitable consequence of ageing. It is possible to live a quality life despite the disease and it is important to see more to the sufferer than that they have some form of dementia.
After buying in a lot of food (as well as receiving some free bread and donuts at the community centre) I went to the second public event, a performance event at the Ham & Jam Café in Preston city centre involving true stories based on changes in our lives. I shared my own experience here too, which I’ll present later as a feature in its own right.
Arthur Chappell
6 people like this
5 responses
@snowy22315 (209132)
• United States
1 Jul 17
Yes, ALZheimers runs in my family. My grandmother and uncle have it. My dad we worry about sometimes..but I just saw him a few weeks ago. He seemed fine so maybe he hasn't inherited it.
3 people like this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
2 Jul 17
@snowy22315 not a factor in my immediate family history though I have seen my friend's families hit hard by it
@celticeagle (189957)
• Boise, Idaho
1 Jul 17
What an eventful day. I have been thinking recently that my paternal grandmother may have had Alzheimer's. I recall my father taking me to see her once shortly before she passed away. She didn't know who I was. I was called Princess by her and my paternal grandfather and spent many a day at their home place princess and running through their house. It was so sad to have her not remember who I was.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
1 Jul 17
@celticeagle always awful to realize that someone's memories of us have perished
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189957)
• Boise, Idaho
2 Jul 17
@arthurchappell ....Very sad indeed.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
8 Jul 17
@JudyEv the treatment and undertanding is much superior to what it was even a decade ago
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43655)
• Denver, Colorado
2 Jul 17
We think my girlfriend might have early onset dementia. I would have found that interesting.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
3 Jul 17
@teamfreak16 your girlfriend should get a full diagnosis as quickly as possible to sort out how long the illness might take to develop and plan ways to work round areas affected to be able to maintain as healthy and rewarding a life as she can - hope you are able to stay by her through what could be a very trying ordeal for you too
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