Interesting Guardian Article

[Sandy]

A few minutes after posting on the "Tell or Not to Tell" thread, I came across this very interesting article in The Guardian. It's an interview with an Australian woman named Christine Bryden who was diagnosed with dementia ten years ago at age 46.

As a single mother, she had to struggle with her diagnosis but managed to come to terms with it and make the most of what life had to offer. Some of her opinions may not be to everyone's taste, and it's not a typical story, but it is an intriguing and thought-provoking article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1470189,00.html

Take Care,

Sandy

 

[Jude]

Dear Sandy,

Thanks for posting this. The article is amazing and I got a lot of good info from it. It's always a bit of a worry when one's parents have AD and you think that you might be next in line down the genetic highway. Many people worry about this scenario.

Best wishes,

Jude

 

[Chris]

Listen to Christine Bryden

This is coincidence - someone told me Christine Bryden was on This Morming (BBC 1) last week but I cant find any info about it on the net.

However in searching I found a BBC Radio programme she recorded & you can still listen to it at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/allinthemind_20050308.shtml

Its good to be able to hear her tell her of her experiences.

Her book is also available from Amazon.

 

[Brucie]

What a very good article. Many thanks for posting it.

 

[janey]

Hi Sandy
Thanks for what you do in finding dementia-related articles - please carry on!

 

[Sheila]

Thanks Sandy, what an interesting story love She. XX

 

[Sandy]

Thanks to all for that feedback.

Thanks to Chris for posting that link to the BBC interview with Christine Bryden (on the typically excellent Radio 4 programme All in the Mind) - it was 15 minutes of fascinating listening. The interview is at the start of the programme and is followed by an interview with two academics who specialise in dementia.

For those who haven't tried it before, the BBC's Listen Again service is really easy to use. Just click on the Listen Again link (making sure your computer's speakers are turned on) and an audio player should load the programme in 30-60 seconds. The controls are just like those on a tape player, allowing you to stop, fast forward, rewind, etc.

Take Care,

Sandy

 

[Anne54]

I listened to the radio, thank you for the link Chris. The symptoms that Christine Bryden talked about are exactly the same as my husband, no one can tell even now that he has anything wrong, as long as they don’t talk to him for to long, he was a very similar age as well, the only difference is his aggression to me, which is rare and always out of the blue.
She is an amazing woman.
Anne

 

[Chris]

Peru

Hello Anne

I'm so sorry to hear how the illness has affected your husband - may i ask - has he been given a diagnosis other than the overall term 'dementia' ? Its academic I know - but from the research angle and if new treatments come out (this a very very slow process of course - too late for many us sadly) - then its crucial.

Have just realised you are off to Peru - I'm full admiration - where do you get the energy ? I feel pathetic - maybe having a goal helps - whats the saying "you cant make a journey unless you know the destination ? "

Wishing you the very best of luck, hope one of the party can keep in touch - is there a base out there ? it might aid the fund raising side - like Ellen Mcartneys sailing trip - if the rset of the world (well As & TP people anyway !( could follow you as its happpening ???? Maybe not a good idea ? I dont know. Chris

 

[Katy44]

That article was very good and I thought the tips were handy, especially the one about replacing "Do you remember..." with "It was good when...", I'm sure i have been guilty of that!

 

[Michael E]

I listened to the radio, thank you for the link Chris. The symptoms that Christine Bryden talked about are exactly the same as my husband, no one can tell even now that he has anything wrong, as long as they don’t talk to him for to long, he was a very similar age as well, the only difference is his aggression to me, which is rare and always out of the blue.
She is an amazing woman.
Anne

For some reason I cannot make the 'radio' work so I have ordered the book!

Really helpful Anne, to me, your comment about folks not knowing there is anything wrong if they do not talk to long and the aggression out of the blue!

I have exactly the same symptoms with Monique - she is now 65 - a bit older but not too much. With new people I sometimes say she has Alzheimer's and sometimes not - never quite sure what is best - they give some odd looks if I don't explain the problem - because of the repetition etc and the fact I run round doing all the social bits - drinks - food etc sometimes needs a little explanation as does the rubbish bag in the living room!

this Australian lady, Christine Bryden, seems wonderful - how brilliant there is someone who has got the T shirt but is determined to carry on and report back what it's like on the inside. That article is fascinating - so helpful.
Michael

 

[Michael E]

Not sure if I read it here or somewhere else but I understand that Coronation Street is starting an Alzheimer's story line with the Mike Baldwin character.

 

[Norman]

True Micheal.
Baldwin is to have AS
Norman

 

[Anne54]

Dear Chris
My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as for energy I am wandering about like a zombie but I do sleep well, when Fred lets me.
Someone said “every journey starts with one step”
Mobiles don’t work in Peru but we have a reporter and photographer with us because there is a soap star walking with us.
Anne

 

[Chris]

Wishing you a great time ! Chris

 

[Izzy]

Really interesting article - so many similarities in terms of people not knowing anything is wrong unless the converstation goes on for a some time. My husband is a older (74) but is still early stages. We now seem to have a really slick double act which allows us to operate in 'society'. It can be very stressful trying to make sure things go smoothly but its worth it for his self esteem. As long as this matters to him we'll keep up the double act! Our closest friends and family know it is AD but others seem to not realise - it's really incredible. Just off to order the book!

Iz