Fifty-five-year old Simon, a former microbiologist and senior manager, was just 49 when he first started having problems with his memory, concentration and initiating new projects. He took early retirement when he was 50, but his condition was still undiagnosed and mistaken for other issues such as depression and 'mid-life crisis’.
Meanwhile his problems, including his ability to communicate, worsened putting a strain on his relationship with his two children and his wife Sally. Finally, he was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.
Simon took part in a 12-month Thrive-funded research project dedicated to younger people with dementia that has greatly improved the quality of his life.
"Although the diagnosis was horrific, it was actually a huge relief to us both. Simon in particular was able to begin to rationalise why he had felt as he had for the last few years," explains Sally.
Because Simon had always enjoyed gardening, undertaking many projects in his own garden and even running a gardening business for a short time, Sally thought that Thrive, which she had heard about from a nursing colleague, would work for him. "Thrive has a beautiful, peaceful environment," says Sally. "I think Simon feels 'normal’ there as it is about as far removed from 'day centre’ care as is possible. There is a feeling of freedom and it has helped him have a sense of purpose and raised his self esteem. Cooking some of the produce he has helped to grow is a great end result which we can share."
"For me Thrive is probably the only place of the several which Simon attends which I don’t feel guilty about him going to. I think the whole ethos of the place addresses his needs. He always looks forward to going (rain or shine) and to see him laughing and joking with staff and clients he has made friends with is fantastic. The staff and volunteers without exception are wonderful," says Sally.
Find out more about Thrive’s work to reduce the anxiety of living with dementia.