Angie Wild's family has been profoundly affected by dementia, with her grandmother, mother, aunt, uncle, and uncle's wife all diagnosed with the disease. Despite this, Angie, 64, from Tameside, remains hopeful and works as a dementia adviser for the Alzheimer's Society.
A family history of dementia
Angie's grandmother Hettie developed dementia in her later years, becoming angry as the disease took hold. After Hettie's death in 1987, her three children—Dorothy, Hadrian, and Edith—were all eventually diagnosed with various forms of dementia. Hadrian's wife Pat also died from the disease, as did Dorothy's best friend.
Pat was the first to show symptoms, which emerged after complications from dental surgery left her with a brain infection. The family made the difficult decision to move her into sheltered accommodation. Hadrian's diagnosis followed, and he was later moved to a care home when he became unsafe wandering. Edith, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia, also required care home placement after her condition deteriorated.
Dorothy's diagnosis
Angie's mother Dorothy was diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago. The family decided not to dwell on the diagnosis, believing it is best for her happiness. Angie recalls the moment Dorothy learned of her condition at the memory clinic in Tameside: 'Mum was told at the memory clinic in Tameside that she had dementia. She said: "Well, that's that then." The doctor explained that her memory had been affected and she looked at me. I just said: "Oh well, we all have memory problems at times."'
Since then, the family has not mentioned the diagnosis to Dorothy, and she does not talk about it. When she asks about relatives who have passed away, they gently redirect her. Angie says, 'We just say: "Oh, they've popped to the shops." You just don't want someone to go through that grief and upset again.'
Living with dementia
Dorothy is currently happy, cared for at home by her husband, with daily family visits. She enjoys activities like singing, music, and dementia groups. Angie notes, 'You can see the deterioration, and that's really difficult.'
Three years ago, Angie became a dementia adviser at the Alzheimer's Society, drawing on her 38 years of experience working with older people at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. She often helps people come to terms with a frightening diagnosis, advising them to take it one day at a time because everyone responds differently.
Advice and hope
Angie emphasizes the importance of psychosocial interventions, such as therapies and social groups, which can improve wellbeing and keep people active. She says, 'It is about keeping your brain occupied. Even doing puzzles, crosswords and listening to music can make a huge difference.' She and her mother often sing Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' together.
She also advises families to arrange wills and lasting powers of attorney early on, and to respect the personal wishes of those with dementia. Angie herself does not worry about developing dementia, focusing instead on staying active and engaged. She has raised £258,000 for local causes over 12 years, including £20,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.
Despite everything, Angie remains positive: 'It is a terminal illness, but I do believe there will be a cure. Maybe not in our lifetime – but one day.'
