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| From left: Shirley Smith treasurer, chairman Gordon Younger, Marion Howell branch manager, guest speaker Bill Wilson and president Pam Heeks |
MY NAME is Bill. I have dementia and it's working for me," said the guest speaker at the annual open meeting of the Harlow branch of the Alzheimer's Society.
Former Royal Marine Bill Wilson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003. He accepts he has dementia and is confident he can open the door to shed light on the subject for others who are afraid to talk about it.
"I was originally diagnosed with depression," he said. "I was losing things and searching all over only to find it was in my hand all along. Eventually I rang my local Alzheimer's Society because I needed help."
Last Thursday Bill told of the moment he discovered he had dementia: "The doctor said to me, Mr Wilson you have got Alzheimer's disease.
"I was not sure I heard him properly, then the tears started. I cried with relief and joy because at last I knew what the cause of the pain I inflicted on my family with my unusual behaviour was.
"Alzheimer's is the beast," he said. "The song The Beast in Me by Johnny Cash epitomises everything dementia has done for me and to me. I can go nowhere without the beast - it lives with me wherever I go."
His wife Pat, who he describes as his verbal punch bag, is grateful of the support from the Alzheimer's Society. She said she feels it is easier to talk to someone from the society rather than her family as they understand what she is going through when Bill has a bad day.
Bill added: "Accepting what I have has made such a difference, but unfortunately it's the hidden disease. Alzheimer's is a condition not obvious to people when they first meet you.
"I can remember vividly things from years ago, but not things that happened yesterday.
"One of the saddest things is I can't remember my daughter's wedding day. I know I was there - I have seen the photos, but do not remember it."
Harlow branch manager Marion Howell said: "A considerable amount of work has taken place this year as we try to improve the lives of local people suffering from dementia.
"There are around 900 people with dementia in Harlow and again we saw an increase in people who contacted us.
"Each carer who contacts us experiences their own personal difficulties - it is our job to reassure them they are not alone.
"Dementia at any age is very cruel - it cuts people to the core but people in groups can help each other.
"Our volunteers have worked hard to provide 400 carer breaks, 5400 hours of their time and 512 home visits were undertaken between us last year.
"I would like to thank the team for their hard work, Essex County Council for their annual grants which we rely on and the Harlow Herald for running the Alzheimer's Campaign over the last three years.
"The publicity they have offered is fundamental in reaching more families."
Bill added: "Investigate dementia, look at it from every angle, form your own opinions, remember my words then go and change the people who do not understand."
For more information about the Harlow Alzheimer's Society call 01279 418331.
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