Join A Memory Walk And Help Families Coping With Dementia

By Alzheimers Society

Nanna blows a kiss

All over the country this autumn, people are coming together to join in fundraising Memory Walks in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.

The charity supports not only people with dementia, but also their families, and helps fund research aimed at stopping the condition in its tracks.

Why Jodie joined a Memory Walk

Jodie knew that her mum’s grandma Edith had dementia, but she was very young at the time and didn’t understand much about it.

Jodie with her nanna Mary

Just before Jodie went to university in 2017, her mum’s mum – her nanna Mary – was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s at the age of 80.

Jodie said, “Nanna was repeating herself and wasn’t looking after herself properly. She was imagining stuff and packing her flat away, saying she had to leave.

“I felt quite guilty being at university and not being able to see Nanna as much. She was put on end-of-life care the week I had my graduation, and died in December 2021.

“It’s awful and heart-breaking watching people you love slowly deteriorate and lose memories.”

Before her nanna died, Jodie and her family had also noticed her grandad Ivor was forgetting to do little things from his regular routine and not understanding why.

“We’re glad he got the diagnosis”

Jodie has many happy memories of her grandad

She said, “Because of our experience with dementia it was easier to recognise and get him to the doctor’s. He was 82 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in March 2020.

“It was hard to process that another family member also had dementia. We’re glad he got the diagnosis so we can help as much as we can.

“It wasn’t easy, but as we had gone through this before, it was easier to understand what was happening.

“In June he moved into the care home where Mum works and seems quite happy there. He was living alone so it is better for him. They do loads of social activities.”

Jodie took part in the Nottingham Memory Walk which was held at Wollaton Hall earlier this month.

She explained, “I want to support Alzheimer’s Society and the incredible work they do, to ensure research is supported and people receive the care and treatment they deserve.

A very emotional day

“As it is a cause very close to my heart, and after losing my nanna just a few months ago, it was something I really wanted to do. It was a really good day, very emotional and I’m glad we did it,” Jodie explained.

“I think even if you don’t have anyone in your family with dementia, a Memory Walk is a great cause for people to come together and support.

Jodie’s Nanna Mary

“It is a great way of raising awareness, so everyone understands more about dementia.”

Join thousands of people walking to stop dementia in its tracks by signing up for Memory Walks. Visit memorywalk.org.uk for more information and see alzheimers.org.uk for support.