The Storm Within the Rose: My Family and Alzheimer's

My mum had memory problems. She seemed to cope. After my dad died I found out the whole awful truth.

The Alzheimer's diagnosis came too late. Slowly, Mum's memories had sneaked away.

Using old photos, my story recalls what Mum could not; the happiness, fun, love, loss, grief, fear and anger. It shows how Alzheimer's was able to slip into our lives almost invisibly despite the numerous warning signs.

After losing Dad, there many were complicated legal and financial issues. I also had frequent battles with adult social care but we were let down badly by a system that is supposed to protect the vulnerable. Then there were the changes in my quiet, gentle mum.

Not many understand how Alzheimer's impacts lives. To begin with, I certainly didn't.

By 2025, one million UK families will be affected by dementia, but there is hope.

Please read on. It may help your family.