Alzheimer's patient raising awareness by writing
HandoutA man who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease is trying to raise awareness of the condition through his writing.
Michael Booth, from Hartlepool, was diagnosed six years ago when aged 46 and is using his lived experience to inform services at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
The former project manager learned about his condition only a few months after losing his mother Christine to the same disease and has published a book and information leaflet about dementia.
He said: "I want people living with dementia to know it's not the end. It might feel like it is, but it's not."
Booth finished writing his first novel, based on his own experience with Alzheimer's disease, after publishing a self-help guide for patients and carers two years ago.
The Hartlepool based murder mystery book - titled Forget Me Not: The Letter in the Headboard - features a character living with dementia.
He said the diagnosis "was a real blow", especially after watching his mother go through it, and that it was important to be open because there was "so much misinformation around it".
'So much to give'
On spending two years writing the book while living with his condition he said to say it was a challenge "would be an understatement".
"I had paper notes and reminders everywhere to help me remember the plot and characters.
"I nearly gave up a few times but was determined to show what people living with dementia can do.
"It took a toll on my health, but I made it. I finished it."
Booth said there were days when he could not spell and a right-hand tremor often made typing "almost impossible", but he had the "amazing support" of his wife.
While counting down to the publication of his book in late April he was also working on a new dementia awareness project and contributed to dementia pathway work within TEWV.
"I take the good days and try to hold them, then battle through the bad ones.
"I keep going because I still have so much to give.
"Dementia doesn't have to define your creativity and pushing through it should be encouraged."
