Couple live full life despite battle with dementia

It was during the summer of last year that Janet (73) of Townsend Road, Wittering, discovered the cause of her forgetfulness, and because her dementia was still at an early stage she has been proactive to keep it from developing any further.

A big part of that is played by the Dementia Resource Centre in Lincoln Road, Peterborough, which opened in September 2014.

Accompanied by husband Tony (69), Janet is a regular visitor and takes part in activities such as arts and crafts, yoga and the comedy club.

“There’s something on every day,” she said. “It’s a wonderful place and we are lucky here to have a place like that to go to.

“I don’t know what I’d do without this place. There’s always somebody to talk to and we’re here so often. Housework goes by the board.”

Janet was speaking during Dementia Awareness Week, where a number of events are being held in Peterborough.

And she admits that getting an early diagnosis for her condition has helped her to remain active and lead a relatively normal life.

Janet said: “I went to the doctors as soon as I knew there was something wrong. I was having trouble remembering things and it was not like me. I’ve always been quite on the ball so it was quite upsetting.

“I still have a normal life and we go out and about and do more or less the same things we’ve always done which is good.

“Hopefully it won’t get much worse but we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. I want to think positively.

“If I had not gone to see the doctor about it, it would not have been as good today. You have a better quality of life if you admit there’s something wrong.”

Husband Tony is also a big fan of the Dementia Resource Centre. He said: “We love this place. It’s good for Janet, but it’s also good for me. I meet up with other carers and it boosts my confidence.”

Life, though, is not quite as easy for Tony as it was in the past. He added: “It gets a bit rough but we are getting through it. I need to remind her about little things. It’s no hardship, I just have to remind her what we are doing today.

“She might say something to me one minute, then 10 minutes later ask the same question.”

On Monday, May 23, from noon to 4pm, a tea dance is being held at Thorpe Hall Hospice, Thorpe Road, Longthorpe.

For more information about events in Peterborough during Dementia Awareness Week and for advice and support, call 01733 893 853 or email [email protected].