It is estimated, that in 2023, there are more than 1.5 million Aussies caring for someone living with dementia and given our ageing population, this figure is only set to rise.
Dementia is currently the second leading cause of death amongst Australians and the leading cause of death for women in our country.
If you haven’t already come face-to-face with this cruel disease, or known someone afflicted, the chances are that sadly, one day you will.
In this episode, my guest is Sarah Jones, Author of Dementia, Who Are You And What Have You Done With My Mother? discusses her experience when her Mum was diagnosed with Dementia as well as her research into the disease.
Her book explores what it looks like to be living day-to-day with someone who has dementia. This honest and compelling book, chronicles one family’s experience of navigating through the obstacles and changes that follow a dementia diagnosis; coming to terms with this cruel and unrelenting disease.
Dementia, Who are you and what have you done with my mother?
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Dementia who are you and what have you done with my mother?
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Meet Sarah
Along with Ross – her husband of 30 years – Sarah Jones lives with her three adult children and one teenager, in their home on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches. Combining her passions for travelling, photography and writing, Sarah has authored a travel blog, recounting funny family adventures and family holidays over the past 12 years and gaining for herself an avid readership.
Sarah’s Mum, Jeannie Somerville, was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. It was this diagnosis, coupled with the lack of resources and reading material available for those undergoing similar experiences with loved ones, that prompted Sarah to put pen to paper and write about her own journey with her mother’s dementia, in the hope that it would help others. This is her first book.
Connect with Sarah
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217707218-dementia-who-are-you-and-what-have-done-with-my-mother
2 Comments
This was an informative and heartbreaking podcast, Sue. I cannot imagine not being recognized by my mother. I also didn’t realize all of the symptoms or signs of dementia.
Sadly, my husband’s oldest brother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (or dementia, I am not sure). He is not doing well. I am so worried about his wife as she is insistent about being by his side until the end. They called the other day, and I thought he’d had a stroke as he was almost incoherent. This is really hitting my husband hard. He and his brother were estranged for a few years. Luckily, they put that behind them and are quite close.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Hi Marsha, I’ve not been touched by Dementia or Alzheimers but it is heartbreaking for all who have. It isn’t just the patient but family that suffer, isn’t it? Sarah’s became emotional during the interview which is quite understandable. I’m glad Mike and his brother have reunited. x