im 15 and my mum has pick diseae

[Lauren]

Hey Lauraa
I can understand how you are feeling and how ur mind must be asking for every question to be answered! I do the same everyday!
My mum was diagnosed with AD at the mear age of 56 and i was only 17 now im 22! so even though its been 5 years its still hard to see you mum change and not have the 'perfect' mum and more!
Do u live with ur grandparents now? I really hope you get through ur GCSE's, try not to let it affect how hard you work as im sure your mum would not want her to hold you back! It affeted my college and even though i did get into i could have done better!
If you ever want to chat just message me!!
Take care
Laurenx

[Sheree]

Welcome to Talking Point first of all
I'm 19 years old and my Taid was diagnosed with AD in 2005 (I was 15). My Mum was Taid's Carer and we all lived together.
Your extremely brave and such an inspiration to all young people
Thank you for doing interviews and raising awareness.
You're doing your Mum proud
Good luck with your G.C.S.E's this year.
TP is always here for you - remember that
Take Care
Sheree
xx

[benny]

WOW! You are an amazing young girl Laura.My daughter is nearly 21 and has only just come to terms with my mum having the didease after 3 years. I would just likt to say stay strong and focused on your exams so you can look to the future, and if you shine through in the end you will achieve anything you want to. I have a favorite saying, "good things come to those who wait", and I have a niggling feeleing that the whole world is one day going to know about you! take care of yourself and good luck x x robyn

[jc141265]

Hi Laura,

Just adding my support, my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's first when I was 22 (he was 54) and then later his diagnosed changed to Pick's Disease (or frontotemporal dementia as I know it). I am now 35. He lost his ability to speak quite some years ago and even though I was a fair bit older than you, I remember well how it felt to no longer have a parent to look after you. I have two parents, but because my Mum does most of Dad's care, it really felt like I lost both. I don't know if it is easier or harder losing people when technically they are still here, but its definitely tough.

Like you a lot of other bad stuff happened in my life in the early years (other relatives dying), it makes it even harder to cope. But you gotta don't you? You just gotta keep going, like you said, your Mum would have wanted you to, and that's what I used to say to myself about Dad. I do that all the time in fact, even though I lost my Dad, in some ways I didn't because perhaps I listen to him more than other kids would, because of his disease...my Dad now does his fathering in my head...I think about what he might have said about different situations I face. Doesn't stop me missing him though.

Keep your chin up, and keep helping others, it helps you get through this. By the way I have seen other younger people on here so they are around.

Best wishes,

[rimmel11]

hey laura, it sounds like u have been very lucky in ur support network, i'm 23 and my mum has pick's but luckily she is still able to live with me at home, def agree with the need for greater awareness of the disease and especially the lack of acknowledgement of kids our age and the pressure it places on us... Would be really interested to hear more about the work your doing and any help you need just give me a shout! X

[welshchick1968]

You are an amazing young lady, Lauraa. I am 41 and having dificulty coping with my mother's illness - I can't imagine what you are going through

[Cezar]

Hi Laura,

Just want to say your an amazing young lady. I live at home with my sister (22) My mum was diagnosed with dementia about 5 years ago when she was about 52, she's 57 now. I was 20 at the time 25 now.
Dads not around.

We've found it such an exhausting struggle both emotionally and physically, I'm just glad I have my sister. I cant imagine what it would be like at your age and by yourself.

Your such an inspiration, I wish you all the luck in the world and hope your GCSE's go well.

Chin up and DREAM BIG!

[Necion]

Hi Laura, Just found your thread after it appeared in the 'new posts' section. It has been a real eye-opener to read your posts, and indeed all your replies from other young carers & family. As has been said, your mum would be very proud of you, but I think that goes from the whole of TP.
Would love to hear how your raising awareness is progressing, and of course, how the exams went?

Love, Necion. x