World Alzheimer's Day

United: Caring for our loved ones living with dementia

This World Alzheimer's Day, Wednesday 21st September, we are reflecting on caring for loved ones living with dementia.

Dementia campaigner and activist, Gina Awad, has published ‘United: Caring for our loved ones living with dementia.' The book shares personal and moving stories of diagnosis, care and the selfless ways people support research.

Private Eye cartoonist and illustrator, Tony Husband, has created the illustrations.

The book offers insight into the shared experience of caring for a loved one, with warmth and humour. Each story reveals the unique ways in which dementia unfolds, and how loved ones care under different circumstances.

You can buy 'United' at Waterstones, on Kindle, or on Amazon (if using Amazon please remember to use Amazon Smile.)

Research is increasingly showing a link between sports that cause repeated blows to the head, and/or frequent concussion, as a trigger for a type of dementia - Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

When well known and loved footballer, Nobby Stiles, passed away with CTE the family selflessly donated his brain to dementia research.

BRACE has been supporting the South West Dementia Brain Bank, since the charity's very beginning in 1987.

Brain donations from both people living with and without dementia, play an invaluable role in helping scientists to understand dementia. And support efforts to find treatments for dementia.

John and his family cared for their dad when he was diagnosed. They also began an important campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of heading a football
Great header Nobby. Dad was a great and much-loved footballer. A tough, uncompromising, defensive midfielder. He won a European Cup, a World Cup and much more. He also won the heart of a nation
‘World Cup-winner Nobby Stiles has been diagnosed with dementia.’ We decided as a family to go public with Dad’s story. We didn’t want people speculating.
When Dad passed away, we decided as a family to donate his brain to medicine. The results that came back shocked and angered us. Years of heading a football had damaged and disturbed his brain. It turned out he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).* We felt it was our duty to raise awareness for Dad and other footballers who are literally putting their lives at risk heading a football. *Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease that has been linked to repeated blows to the head.

The South West Dementia Brain Bank is one of the most important dementia research facilities in the country. Their work also supports researchers around the world.

None of this would be possible without individuals and their loved ones, making the selfless decision to donate their brain to research. Or without our incredible supporters who give monetary donations. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you for your ongoing support.