Book review: “People with dementia speak out” by Lucy Whitman

Published by Jessica Kingsley publishers, 2015. ISBN-10: 1849052700 ISBN-13: 978-1849052702   It’s a necessity of civilised citizenship that voices are listened to. A particular issue with the narrative on dementia is that it has sometimes been unclear whose story we are listening to. It’s easy to ignore some stories if they don’t fit a big …

My day at the Alzheimer’s Research UK Supporters Group at the Wellcome Trust London

“Our vision is a world where people are free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.” The history of the society is indeed formidable, described clearly from 1992. I remember asking the late Prof Richard Doll, eminent physician, how he discovered the link between smoking and lung cancer. He answered with characteristic humility ‘serendipity’, …

Deeper and deeper

The English language doesn’t have a single word for ‘not being ignored but being putting at the heart of the discussion’. A useful word as any is involvement, and a dictionary defines involvement as: to engage, to connect, to participate and to influence. But there is a sense this is even an injustice to how people …

Connectedness, continuity and community: going beyond ‘friendliness’

I do not have any ideological objection to ‘dementia friendly communities’. It is hard to object being friendly however it is defined, so long as it does not foster a sense of belittling or victimhood for me. However, it does concern me how superficial this construct is, potentially. If you wish to extend the notion …

Jeremy Hunt MP addresses the Conservative Party conference 2015

Good afternoon. I’m sorry I’m not the most interesting Jeremy in British politics right now – but I do have the most interesting job, and there is no greater privilege in government than being responsible for our NHS. To do that I’m supported by a fantastic ministerial team. So let me start by thanking Alistair …