Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.

Interview 44

She was 86 when she started to have symptoms of dementia. Her doctor mistook it for old age. Prescribed Aricept but husband felt it had been left too late. Cared for at home helped by live-in couple. Attended day centre.

  • Background

    Carer is husband who himself suffers from throat cancer. Carer is retired. Patient had been a film producer.

  • Age at interview 86
  • Interview 40

    Gradual onset. Cared for at home for several years with support from daughter and local authority carers. Attended day centre. Sometimes husband would stay too. Died rapidly after moving to a nursing home from hospital following a fall at home.

  • Background

    An elderly clergyman caring for his wife who was interviewed with his daughter who lived close by. There are 2 other children. Diagnosed in 1996-7.

  • Age at interview 80
  • Interview 38

    Cared for at home with help of friends, relatives and neighbours while carer worked part time. Treated with Aricept and Rivastigmine. Admitted for respite care in 2000 and never returned home after that.

  • Background

    Same sex couple together 34 years. Carers occupation: Medical Laboratory Manager. Patients occupation: Industrial Components, own business.

  • Age at interview 52
  • Interview 36

    Husband looked after her at home for several years. Medication upset her causing her to see colours when she closed her eyes. When things got too difficult was moved into residential care. Husband visits everyday.

  • Background

    Elderly husband caring for his wife at home for many years, now in a nursing home. They have 2 sons. Patient used to work for BT.

  • Interview 33

    His wife developed multi-infarct dementia. He cared for her at home for about 6 years. When she went into residential care it took a long time for her to settle. She died in the nursing home.

  • Background

    Carer is a husband who cared for his wife first at home and then later in residential care where she died. They have 3 children. Carer’s occupation was a retired...

  • Age at interview 78
  • Interview 31

    He gave up work to be a full time carer but when she took to her bed for several months it was decided that she needed residential care. As she refused, it was necessary to section her to make the…

  • Background

    Carer is a husband in his 50’s looking after his wife with Picks disease. They have three children.

  • Age at interview 57
  • Interview 08

    He felt he had to fight to get the care she needed when she needed it. Indignant that medication was refused on grounds of cost but did persuade GP to give Aricept though he admits it didn’t do her any…

  • Background

    Carer is an elderly husband who found that he had to continue to work to be able to pay for care for his wife at home, which he continued until...

  • Interview 07

    Gradual onset mistaken for depression. Diagnosis given jointly to husband and wife. Slow progression. Problem with restlessness and wandering. Very involved with the local Alzheimers disease society. He tries to involve her in decisions where possible. Treated with Reminyl Sedative,…

  • Background

    Carer is devoted husband who has so far managed to care for his wife at home with respite care every 8 weeks. They have two children. She was diagnosed in...

  • Interview 02

    Her mental and physical condition has deteriorated steadily since she herself first recognized she had a problem in 1991. She can now no longer talk or walk. Cared for at home and day-care centre.

  • Background

    Husband caring for his wife of 58 years at home. Well supported by four sons, social services and old friends. Diagnosed in 1991. Occupation of carer: retired, wife was a...

  • Age at interview 80
  • Interview 39

    Dismissed unexpectedly from the Army where he worked on chemical defence. Unable to get a new job. Diagnosis took about 3 years. Wife worked 1 day a week, and cared for him and children. Difficult finding appropriate care. Died while…

  • Background

    Wife with 2 young children caring for her husband who developed frontal lobe dementia while in his forties. Diagnosed in 1994. Occupation of patient: Ammunition Specialist in the Army.

  • Age at interview 52