I am nonetheless the individual I used to be after analysis at 49

Dementia was not one thing Peter Alexander anticipated to be identified with in his late 40s.

It meant leaving his job and adapting to a brand new lifestyle.

Now, aged 56, Peter is enthusiastic about addressing the stigma across the situation usually related to aged folks.

“I won’t all the time be capable of categorical it in the identical manner, however I am nonetheless the identical individual I used to be, inside I am nonetheless Peter,” he informed NEWSTORN Information NI.

Peter was 49 when he made an appointment with a neurologist and was despatched for a scan.

“I used to be beginning to battle to satisfy deadlines (at work), which had by no means been an issue earlier than, and through conferences, I would not be capable of consider a phrase when talking,” mentioned Peter, who’s initially from England however has lived in Northern Eire together with his spouse, Jill, for a number of years.

“I bear in mind the date very clearly, it was 14 January 2018 when the outcomes got here again and the physician mentioned: ‘Peter, I’ve identified you with having Frontotemporal dementia’.

“I used to be principally informed that it was not secure for me to work as a result of I’ve diminished judgment and I used to be shedding my filter, so it was rather a lot to adapt to.”

Frontotemporal dementia is an unusual sort of dementia that causes issues with behaviour and language.

“Individuals assume when you might have dementia it is solely about forgetting issues nevertheless it’s extra advanced, it will possibly manifest in several methods.

“I do not wish to be handled in a different way, it is crucial that individuals truly see the individual, see past the situation.

“Sadly for many individuals, the analysis can take an terrible very long time and that places an unlimited quantity of stress on the household unit.”

Dementia is a syndrome (a bunch of associated signs) related to an ongoing decline of mind functioning.

Reminiscence loss is without doubt one of the most typical signs, significantly the battle to recollect latest occasions.

Others can embrace modifications to behavior, temper and character, turning into misplaced in acquainted locations, or being unable to search out the correct phrase in a dialog.

It will possibly attain the purpose the place folks do not know when they should eat or drink.

Greater than 22,000 persons are residing with dementia in Northern Eire, in response to the Alzheimer’s Society.

The variety of folks residing with dementia in Northern Eire is predicted to nearly triple by 2051 to 60,000. The Southern Belief is predicted to have the best variety of folks residing with the situation by 2032.

Whereas dementia is usually seen as a illness of previous age, about 5% of individuals with dementia are classed as having young-onset dementia.

Individuals whose signs began once they have been beneath the age of 65 are sometimes often called having young-onset dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that there are greater than 70,000 folks within the UK residing with young-onset dementia.

In latest months, Peter has teamed up with different folks in Northern Eire residing with dementia to make a movie about their expertise of on a regular basis life.

The documentary known as Hear Our Voice primarily focuses on folks with young-onset dementia.

It provides a glimpse of what residing with dementia is like, within the hope that it’ll create higher understanding and empathy.

Peter options all through the movie and narrates it.

“Respect was granted to individuals who have dementia to make and take management of the movie to assist us get throughout the distinctive challenges we’ve,” he mentioned.

The movie options members of Dementia NI.

The group was arrange in 2015 by 5 folks residing with dementia, however 10 years on they now have 15 teams throughout Northern Eire.

The teams labored alongside the Southern and South Japanese well being trusts when making the Hear Our Voice venture.

Dr Christopher Southwell, a marketing consultant in Previous Age Psychiatry within the Southern Belief, believes the movie promotes a strong message.

“Dementia is a situation that has a huge impact on sufferers and their households and typically as healthcare professionals we acknowledge that there are issues that may be finished higher,” he mentioned.

“After I bought concerned and ultimately watched the movie, it was essential for me to have the ability to say to folks like Peter and others behind the movie that I do hear your voice and tackle board what you are saying.”

Members of Dementia NI lately met Well being Minister Mike Nesbitt at Stormont.

They known as on him to make lowering the time it takes to get a dementia analysis a precedence.

Shortly after the movie was launched, in a press release, the well being minister mentioned: “I congratulate the trusts and Dementia NI for growing this highly effective documentary which I’ve little question will problem present stereotypes and can be an informative solution to educate folks in how finest to assist people residing with dementia.”

Karen Kerr is head of engagement at Dementia NI.

She mentioned: “The members are actually passionate in regards to the significance of getting an early analysis and when you get an early analysis it opens up lots of alternatives so that you could proceed to stay effectively with a way of function and that is additionally what the movie is attempting to spotlight.

“While you hear from folks like Peter, I feel it demonstrates that individuals with dementia have a voice not only for themselves however for everybody affected with dementia.”

Peter added: “In relation to folks like me with dementia, please do not write us off, we’ve a voice, dementia would not outline us.”