As part of our "Making Every Memory Matter Together" campaign, we’re dedicated to shining a light on dementia, its early signs, and the incredible importance of community support. Today, we want to share a deeply personal and powerful story—the story of Helen.

We understand that living with dementia brings profound challenges, but it also often weaves narratives rich with wisdom, remarkable resilience, and unique insights. These are the stories that truly move us and help us all to better understand this complex journey.

Here, Helen's devoted husband, Terry, offers us a heartfelt glimpse into Helen's Alzheimer's dementia diagnosis and some of her recent experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

When we spoke with Terry, he gently shared that Helen’s journey with Alzheimer's dementia began with the quiet, worrying signs of regular forgetfulness and memory loss. It’s a moment that many families recognise—the subtle shift that signals something profound is changing.

Yet, amidst these changes, Terry emphasised their shared commitment to staying positive and keeping busy on their beloved farm. He spoke with a quiet joy about one of Helen’s purest delights: watching the lambs skip and play. It’s in these simple, beautiful moments that her spirit truly shines.

Terry also shared a poignant observation: Helen has become increasingly sensitive to noise, finding solace and comfort in calmer, less crowded environments. This insight reminds us of the critical need to create spaces that truly meet the evolving needs of those living with dementia.

Both Helen and Terry find immense comfort and connection at Memory Matters. Terry shared that they deeply appreciate mingling with "like-minded, non-judgmental people who simply get it!" When asked what they loved most, his words were truly touching: "Everyone is kind and understanding, and they feel at ease every time they use one of our services." This feedback is the heartbeat of what we strive to achieve—a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and truly seen.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Terry for his courage and kindness in sharing Helen’s story. It’s a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for love and adaptation. We wholeheartedly encourage anyone affected by dementia to reach out and share their own journey with us. Sharing your experiences can be an incredibly meaningful way to reflect on your path, celebrate your unique strengths, and even offer a guiding light to others navigating similar challenges. There's no right or wrong way to tell your story, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable.

If you feel moved to get involved and share your voice, please reach out to Maddy at maddy@memorymatters.org.uk.

Your story matters.