Here are some wonderful quotes from our Memory Connections groups about how a diagnosis of dementia hasn’t stopped them from doing what they enjoy and living in the moment.
In light of World Alzheimer’s Month, the responses were also inspired by the groups’ conversations about Beverly-Glenn Copeland, an 82-year old singer-songwriter living with dementia.
Defying advice to simply ‘stay at home’ after receiving his diagnosis, Glenn is currently on a world tour, having recently played in Bristol and at End of the Road Festival; “I have places I want to see, I have people I want to meet, I have a mission still yet to live”.
Here’s what our members shared with us:
“I can still speak fluent French. Je suis moi meme! I can also still do cryptic crosswords and restore china.”
“I still have lots of skills – I could still beat you in the boxing ring.”
“I still regularly do park runs at the weekend and I really enjoy going to a weekly choir which makes me very happy – we have lots of fun there!”
“I still have the inner standup comedian in me. If a day passes without my finding something funny it has been a very strange day – and something to reflect upon.”
“I still enjoy dancing and am starting a ballet class soon.”
“I still want to travel and see new parts of the world. I am going on a cruise soon!”
“Much to enjoy before it’s too late!”
“I love travelling and have covered many countries in the world. Day to day – what makes me love word games (Count Down), number games (Sudoku) and crosswords. I also love spending time with my grandchildren.”
“I’m going to continue being who I am and doing the things that I enjoy doing!”
“I had a happy life and remember when my husband was alive. I am a cheerful person really!”
“I still do things I enjoy doing whenever I can. It’s important to do that.”
. . .
We’re so grateful to all of them for being so generous and open with us.
