Staying connected

Transcript

[Beginning of recorded material]

Trish: My name is Trish, and I've been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. It came as a shock to me when I was first diagnosed but

I've come to terms with it now, and I look at it as an opportunity rather than something bad. And even the dementia is a

blessing because of the friends that I have made, the things I've learnt about myself, both good and bad.

[visual: Trish and her husband doing the crossword puzzle together]

Trish: I am very fortunate that I have a wonderful husband who's really supportive of me.

[visual: Picture of Trish’s children]

Trish: My children are absolutely wonderful. They took it really well when they found out I had Alzheimer's. They are very,

very supportive.

[visual: Picture of Trish’s grandchildren]

Trish: My grandchildren keep me very active. They’re on the go all the time. I love spending time with them. They don’t even think there’s anything wrong with me. They wouldn’t have a clue. I’m just Nana, so that’s wonderful to have somebody who’s just there.

[visual: Trish knitting]

Trish: I love knitting. I don't knit jumpers like I used to. No, none of that cable knit anymore, but I knit scarves for charity.

[visual: Trish chopping a tomato, preparing a salad]

Trish: I absolutely love cooking. I love to try different recipes. Before dementia, I used to just know it off by heart, but now, I

have recipes. And my sister who is a wonderful cook, she took all of my favourite recipes, and she cut them up and put them

into an album for me.

Trish: I always start the day with a really healthy breakfast. I love having cereal, and I add to it blueberries, cranberries, low

fat yoghourt – all the foods that will stimulate the brain.

I would like to say to people that Alzheimer's is not the end. There are many, many things that you can still do, and it's just that you have to persevere and look for them. And if, at first, you mess up a recipe, then try again. It's all about perseverance and trying new things and not just sticking with the old things. Be brave and have the confidence to give it a go, and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But it's better to have tried than not, because you don't know until you try.

[Title card: With special thanks to Trish and Rob.]

[Dementia Australia logo]

[Title card: National Dementia Hotline 1800 100 500. For language assistance call 131 450]

[Title card: Visit dementia.org.au]

[END of recorded material]

The Dementia Advocates Program is for people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, carers and former carers who want to raise awareness, fight stigma and influence decision-makers.