Dementia Diaries: Joyful Lives Beyond the Diagnosis

A new exhibition in Jersey is helping people see dementia in a different way. The Reframing Dementia exhibition, created by Dementia Jersey and ArtHouse Jersey, features photographs of people living with dementia and their families. The pictures show them enjoying happy moments together, like walking dogs or playing with grandchildren. The aim is to show that even though dementia is a difficult disease, people can still have joyful experiences and remain themselves.

One of the people featured is Vasco Pinto, who has lived in Jersey for 65 years after moving from Madeira. He worked in the hotel industry and has a wife and two daughters. Vasco was surprised when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said, 'I'm fine, I'm still the same person. My friends didn't notice anything different about me. ' Vasco lives on his own but gets support from Dementia Jersey's social groups. He enjoys meeting with others, saying, 'They all support me, and it's just a laugh. We've become a family, and it's helped me a bit. '

Another participant, Mike Fearnley, had a long career in the boating industry. He was also surprised by his diagnosis. At first, he was upset, but now he feels grateful for his life. 'My life is much better than it could have been,' he said. 'I'm looking to make 100 and get a card from the governor. ' Mike's daughter, Hannah Gleave, said the support from Dementia Jersey has been amazing. 'It was really challenging at first, but now we've built friendships and are welcoming new people who have just been diagnosed,' she explained.

The exhibition features nine islanders with dementia and their families, showing that life does not end with a diagnosis. Lady Karen Kyd, a doctor and Patron of Dementia Jersey, said, 'People think that a diagnosis means life almost stops, but it's not true. There's still a person there who can live a joyful life. ' The exhibition is open at ArtHouse Jersey's Capitol House until Sunday, with a supplementary display in the Royal Square. The hope is that more people will understand dementia better and support those living with it.