What I Wish People Knew About Dementia: From Someone Who Knows

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But Mitchell tells us that there is a bright side, and she teaches us how to get to that side. She explains the problems caused by the inability of a dementia patient to find her co-ordinates or recognise landmarks when out walking; but that does not stop her from her long walks in the countryside. I now also understand that her taste buds will have changed: her beloved cup of tea probably tastes like swede. When she’s eating with other people, all she hears is the deafening clang of cutlery. I hope that it gives them less fear about dementia. I like to think of a diagnosis as the beginning of a different life – one of adapting and support, and not one you’d have imagined whatsoever – but the start of a new life rather than the end of life. That helps people see it in a different perspective.” What do you think can be done better in the treatment of dementia? Patterned carpets are completely disorientating because all the shapes just seem to come alive, moving around in front of my eyes. It can be very disconcerting to be asked to walk across a carpet that looks as though it’s covered with wriggling creatures, and because many of us with dementia have a wobbly gait, we tend to spend a lot of time looking at the floor to make sure we don’t fall over.” Revelatory . . . There are many books about dementia that focus on its biology, its clinical subtypes, its social dimension, its effect on carers and loved ones. But there are few memoirs written by the people with dementia themselves. Mitchell's joins a burgeoning literature of medical memoirs that, like the finest travel writing or reportage, transport the reader to another world that they may or may not visit one day

What can a diseased brain tell us about being human, living our own lives better and helping those with dementia get the best from theirs? When Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young-onset dementia at the age of fifty-eight, her brain was overwhelmed with images of the last stages of the disease – those familiar tropes, shortcuts and cliches that we are fed by the media, or even our own health professionals. But her diagnosis far from represented the end of her life. Instead, it was the start of a very different one. Wise, practical and life affirming, What I Wish People Knew About Dementia combines anecdotes, research and Wendy Mitchell’s own brilliant wit and wisdom to tell readers exactly what she wishes they knew about dementia. What I Wish People Knew About Dementia by Wendy Mitchell – eBook Details For a persion with dementia "there's nothing more comforting than to be sat with your eyes closed, doing nothing", Wendy says. If I listened to what everyone else says, I would never have jumped out of an aeroplane. I would never have done half the things that others say are not possible for people living with dementia.” Like many people, Mitchell knew nothing about dementia when she was first diagnosed. She and her family were overwhelmed by the negative tropes associated with the condition and long-term prognosis. At the time she wasn’t made aware of all the avenues for support open to her. In writing this book, Mitchell wanted to pass on the insight she’s gleaned from the past seven years. It’s not, as she writes, “an exhaustive list of answers to your questions, but it’s a good place to begin”.

What surprised you the most about the way in which clinicians deal with those with dementia?

Wendy admits that: “When I walk out of here today I will forget the details but I will remember the emotions.” She says “talking is the most powerful thing you can do to allay people’s fears when you have dementia. Talking is the most powerful thing I and my daughters can do.” people over the age of 60 and one in six people over the age of 80, we have very little understanding of what it is like for those who have this cursed condition. Wendy has found her emotions have changed and she is no longer capable of getting angry or jealous.

I don’t remember how long I had been chewing, or how much longer I needed to chew. The result was, too many times, choking on food that I had not ground down enough before attempting to swallow. It’s hard enough to concentrate on eating without the extra effort it takes to cut and chew. Meat had to go, and was replaced by fish.” Legs up,’ Mr Pink Man shouts in my ears as we come closer every second to the viewing area. I’m confused because I thought the landing spot was behind the woods. Everyone is an individual, so when you meet one person with dementia, you’ve met only one person with dementia. Some things work for some people and don’t work for others. However, I always think that recording now, in whatever way is possible for you, is a legacy for your children and their children – and other generations. I find it a very comforting idea.” What impact do you hope the book has on others? Always make sure you talk to your loved one, not the disease. How would you like to be spoken to by people that you meet? With kindness and respect, of course. If you have a relative with dementia, and patience isn’t your forte, well now is the time to practise. The words “hurry up” promote panic: we cannot hurry up! Our brains are incapable of multitasking.It's written in very digestible sections (I rarely read non fiction) and in a very accessible way. Not upsetting or scary as I originally feared. Not at all. Last year, over 10 million people trusted us to help them with some of the biggest issues in their lives. Learn more about how we help. How your support helps