Alzheimer's Research UK

Oxford writer 'Keeping Mum' for Alzheimer’s Research UK

09/05/2011

University of Oxford philosopher and writer, Marianne Talbot, is donating a percentage of her profits from her highly acclaimed book, 'Keeping Mum', to Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Published last month (April) and featured in the Daily Mail, the book tells Marianne’s deeply moving story of caring for her mother who died with Alzheimer’s two years ago.

Fifty-five year old Marianne, who lives in Oxford, talked about the book and explained her motivation for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK:
“I’ve written 'Keeping Mum' for anyone who has anything to do with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia. By reading it they will know they are not alone. Everyone who buys the book will also help raise desperately needed money for dementia research as five percent of my profits will go to the experts, Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“When my mum Lesley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I looked after her in my own home for five years. 'Keeping Mum' is a chronicle of the fears and frustrations, the love and laughter and the tears and trauma we went through. It also describes the agony of my eventual decision to put her into a care home.

“Watching mum deteriorate was one of the saddest things I have ever done. So much more needs to be learnt about this cruel disease and this can only be achieved through research.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Research UK, added:
“We wish Marianne continued success with 'Keeping Mum'. It is a heart-warming and frank account of caring for someone with dementia with plenty of practical advice too. We greatly appreciate her support and every £20 raised will pay for another vital hour of pioneering research, bringing us closer to finding ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure dementia.

“Over 6,000 people in Oxfordshire are living with dementia today but funding for research lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely entirely on our wonderful supporters like Marianne to fund our world-class dementia research.” 

'Keeping Mum: Caring For Someone With Dementia' is published by Hay House and costs £8.99. More information is available at www.keepingmum.org.uk