Mum has Lewy Body Dementia, a common type of dementia.  She finds it hard to remember things short-term and also experiences occasional delusions and hallucinations which can cause her significant distress.  

Seeing Mum losing her short-term memory has been hard.  However, I have found that by taking Mum further back in time, we are still able to have amazing conversations, giggles and reminisce, which show me that Mum as I know her, is still with me. 

We have lots of fun family photos that all have a story to tell.  Mum was a keen scuba diver, so as soon as we dig out the picture of the stingray in the Cayman Islands, she remembers how beautiful her time was there.

Creating a chronological photobook of Mum’s life has been a key part to keeping her positive and happy.  Taking time to share these photos with her helps to divert her away from the worry and sadness that dementia can cause, to a place and time that she can remember, giving her the opportunity to feel herself again and strengthen the special bond we have.  Talking in detail about each photograph, and giving her pointers and reminders, is enough to get a conversation started.  Mum can converse at ease, reminiscing and remembering facts that we can all join in with.  It is heart-warming to see Mum’s beautiful blue eyes light up when she remembers something funny or magical. 

I would recommend giving Life Story a go and making a photobook to bring fun back to times that can be really hard.  Try putting photos in chronological order, or focusing on a certain point in your loved one’s life - or a hobby, that they enjoyed.