Supporter stories
International Volunteer Managers Day
Sunday 5 November is International Volunteer Managers Day and here at Alzheimer’s Research UK, we’re celebrating the valuable support our volunteer managers give to all our amazing volunteers who really do make a difference.
Moving mountains: fundraising and training for a trek
I’m sure I’ll meet some other amazing people on the volcanoes. I don’t yet know how I’m going to trek up five spires of fire, but I will learn.
Ever considered volunteering for research?
We have seen a lot in the news over the last few months about recently published dementia research studies. This might have got you thinking, how do I get involved in research?
Talking about dementia
My mum can no longer do anything for herself. She needs someone to get her dressed and out of bed, feed her, remind her to swallow when she’s eating or drinking, brush her teeth, wash her hair, change her and push her wheelchair. This is the reality of dementia.
Getting a genetic test for familial Alzheimer’s disease at 25
When people hear the word Alzheimer’s, many envision an elderly person shut away in the depths of a care home. As a 25-year-old, I was all too aware that young people assume that it’s a natural part of ageing, and nothing for them to worry about yet. But it’s not, it’s a brain disease that strips everything away from the individual – and it doesn’t just affect the elderly.
My life with Lance
Adele Lootes is the primary carer for her partner Lance, who was diagnosed with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia four years ago, at the age of 45. Adele describes what life has been like, living with Lance.
Those hands that once held mine
As I was sitting holding Mum’s hand in the hospital, I thought of all she meant to me and the number of times she had held my hand. I pretty much knew this was the last time she would do so.
I Am Still Me
Helen spent nine months before she took a single picture, to be sure to get to know the individuals and capture an image true to their character.
The final goodbye
On Tuesday 24 April 2007, Michelle was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 38. We knew there and then that life would never be the same.
Trekking volcanos for our Dad – will you join us?
When we saw that the trek involved climbing volcanoes in Guatemala, a challenging seven days of walking, climbing and scaling the highest peaks in Central America – we knew this was for us.
