Our stories

"My mother had vascular dementia for 14 years. My father was her main carer.

We were lucky, mum was still mum in terms of personality for most of those 14 years.

There were difficult times of course, especially in the last 2 years of her life.

However, the support we received from Alzheimer Scotland was fundamental to ensuring we had positive memories. The support was crucial to mum’s care and also to my dad as main carer.

I understand research into Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is significantly less progressed than cancer or heart disease. Yet dementia is a devastating major illness in older age.

I want to do what I can to ensure support continues for others. I hope my legacy will be used to help develop new research and that one day there may be a cure."

Alison Mackenzie

Aberdeenshire

"My late father passed in 2009 after living with dementia. He was a quiet, unassuming man and a good father to his five children and grandchildren.

He left school at 14 years old to help his parents survive during terrible times. He worked in a farm to support the household. He was a clever young man and academically gifted. Dad was in the Royal Navy but was discharged due to illness. He went on to become a bricklayer and handed his wages to my mother every week.

Eventually my father became so unwell he went into the care system, a terrible experience for him and our family. Dad died in hospital with everyone present.

I’m leaving a legacy in memory of my father who I still miss and love dearly."

Christine Waller

Forth Valley

"My mother was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia about 10 years before she died in 2004 at the age of 92. Unfortunately there was no medication available to help her.

I hope that research will come up with something to help future generations."

Sheila Dickson

East Lothian

"My mother had dementia and died in 1992.

My sister now has dementia and is in full-time care, where she is well cared for.

Over the past 30 years I have seen a great improvement and understanding of this dreadful condition.

But there is still a long way to go in terms of research, which of course costs money.

So, the little I can give to help research and eventual extermination of this illness will be money well spent."

Moira

Glasgow