The following has been drawn from our experience of working with people who have young onset dementia. People are not all the same. Having dementia may mean
- I can forget things very easily even when they have happened very recently. However, I can often remember things from longer ago – especially things that happened when I was a child.
- I may be confused by my surroundings and can easily get lost.
- I may experience hallucinations which can be very frightening.
- I am sometimes restless and like to walk. Please give me space.
- My dementia might make me loose inhibitions and I might say and do things I wouldn’t have done before. I might enjoy dancing and singing – even if I didn’t before.
- Because of my confusion and forgetfulness, I can become very anxious. Please let me know that all is well. Please don’t leave me in this state.
- Sometimes the confusion can make me depressed and lose motivation. Please help encourage me to do things. It can make me feel better.
- I may not recognise the people around me – I might think I know you when I don’t, I might think I don’t know you, when I do. Please don’t get upset.
- I sometimes forget words even though I know what I mean to say. Please give me time.
- Please speak clearly and slowly and give me time to answer. Do not give me lots of information at once.
- I can be happy and enjoy things as much now as I did before.
- I may enjoy things I have always enjoyed as well as new things.
- I like living as normal a life as possible – I just need help to do it.
- I used to be independent, have a normal life and make my own decisions. I don’t want to change more than I have to.
