The Vanishing Man

Sandy

Registered User
Mar 23, 2005
6,847
0
That's the title of this article on early onset dementia that appeared in Saturday's Times:

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article2715310.ece

So many aspects of this gentleman's story have appeared in the posts on Talking Point. Having all the threads gathered together and woven into a sensitive article in a major newspaper was an "pleasant" (in the sense of raising awareness) surprise.

Take care,

Sandy
 

janetruth

Registered User
Mar 20, 2007
563
0
nuneaton
If anything, I have learned since Mum, who has AZ, came to live with us, is this.

When talking to other people, about this TERRIBLE ILLNESS, they show some interest but soon want to change the 'subject'.

I found myself WANTING to read this article, because I NOW realise that AZ is claiming younger people and it's not something that just, 'old people' get.

It is like most things in life, unless it affects us or our loved ones, we try to empathise but have no true understanding.

It is difficult to raise awareness about ANYTHING unless the people you are trying to educate, are willing to listen.

Maybe there are more younger victims due to, diet and pollution, something in the water or genetic, who knows.

Education starts at School, perhaps that is where we should be targeting the awareness.
Thanks for 'giving ' us the article Sandy.
Janetruth x
 

Brucie

Registered User
Jan 31, 2004
12,413
0
near London
When the new Talking Point forum format is launched in November, one feature will be a "Poll of the month".

I plan to make the first poll one that members can use to indicate the age at the appearance of first symptoms of the one they care for, or they know who has dementia.

I have run a few polls before and they are available in http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/talkingpoint/discuss/forumdisplay.php?f=17

There is already one there on the age of the person with dementia. I got the age ranges a bit wrong on that one because young onset is defined as before 65 years of age, and that breakpoint was not well defined.

The membership of TP is an ever changing one and polls will be repeated over time to reflect that.

Any suggestions for subsequent poll questions are happily received.
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,445
0
Kent
Yes Bruce.

I would find it interesting to know the length of time between first signs and diagnosis.

I first approached the GP re Dhiren in May 2004, he was diagnosed in September 2005, but the first signs, with hindsight, were 1999.

So this condition may have been developing for 5 years before any action was taken.

In the future, when research produces more effective treatment or control of the condition, the time factor may prove very important in extending quality of life.
 

jackie1

Registered User
Jun 6, 2007
238
0
Cheshire
I'm sending a copy to John's family as hopefully it will enable them to understand what we are facing a bit better.
Jackie
 

unclekev

Registered User
May 16, 2007
8
0
Old Basing, Hampshire
The article was about my Brother Andrew

The Sunday Times article published on 27th October 2007 was about my brother Andrew. As others have stated it was good to see Early Onset Dementia brought in to the mainstream of public attention. Sadly, we were interviewed and the photos taken in early spring 6 months prior to the article. Three weeks after the article was published (in November 2007) Andrew moved to be resident in a care home specialising in Dementia (Moderator note: care home name removed). Since then his deterioration has been quite rapid and sadly he is no longer able to walk or verbally communicate. Sarah, Andrew's wife is coping admirably, having moved jobs to be closer to Andrew. The person I feel most upset for after Andrew himself is our mother who, having watched her husband suffer for over 10 years with Parkinson's Disease, is now going through a similar hell with her son.

I have not posted here for over a year due to changes in my own life, noteably getting married. Sadly, the happiest day of my life was not as complete as we had wished as due to his deteriating condition Andrew could not attend as my Best Man.

Thanks to all users for their communal support.
 
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