The Quiet Storm: Living With Dementia

nuse.

It often begins so subtly that it’s brushed aside. A misplaced set of keys, a forgotten appointment, the name of a neighbour lingering just out of reach. To the casual observer, these are the small forgettings we all experience from time to time. But for someone living with dementia, and their loved ones, these moments are the quiet footsteps of an approaching storm.

Dementia is not a single disease, but rather a complex umbrella term that describes a range of conditions affecting the brain. At its heart, it is about the gradual loss of cognitive function — memory, reasoning, language, and beyond. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form, accounts for around 60 to 70 per cent of cases worldwide. Yet, beyond the clinical definitions, dementia is deeply human. It shapes the narratives of millions of families, rewriting futures in ways that are both unpredictable and profoundly emotional.

In the UK alone, over 900,000 people are living with dementia, a number set to rise as our population ages. Despite its prevalence, dementia still carries a stigma, often cloaked in misunderstanding and fear. Conversations about the condition are too often hushed, as if speaking of it will hasten its arrival. But silence only deepens isolation, for both those diagnosed and the people who care for them.

For carers, the journey can be as demanding as it is heartbreaking. Watching a loved one’s memories fade is an experience marked by grief for what is lost, even as the person still stands before you. Yet, amidst the challenges, there can be moments of surprising clarity and connection. A familiar song might spark a smile, or a shared story may flicker back to life, if only for a fleeting moment. These instances, however small, become precious lifelines.

Advancements in research are offering glimmers of hope. Scientists are working tirelessly to unravel the complex biology of dementia, with promising developments in early diagnosis and treatments that aim to slow progression. Equally, there is a growing recognition of the importance of compassionate, person-centred care. Initiatives across the UK, from dementia-friendly cafés to memory walks and support groups, are helping to build communities where those affected feel seen and supported.

Living with dementia calls for profound patience and empathy. It teaches us to value the present moment, to find beauty in simplicity, and to embrace each day as it comes. While a cure may still be on the horizon, understanding and kindness are tools we already hold in our hands.

As a society, our challenge lies not only in the search for medical solutions, but in creating a culture where dementia is met not with fear or pity, but with dignity and respect. Every story matters. Every voice deserves to be heard, even when words falter.

The storm may be quiet, but it is one we cannot ignore. With greater awareness, support, and compassion, we can ensure that those living with dementia — and those who love them — never have to face it alone.

Categories

Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Nuse Online
May 8, 2024
2 min read

John Good Group’s DAN Shipping & Chartering Ltd, has acquired Arthur Smith (Grimsby) Ltd, a prominent shipping services provider in the ports of Grimsby and Immingham since 1936.

Sixth-generation John Good Group, with three centuries of trading to its name, has deep roots in the maritime industry since its inception in 1833. The acquisition of the fifth-generation family business, Arthur Smith, serves to strengthen both the heritage of the company and the operations of the Maritime Division as a whole.

The acquisition of Arthur Smith is a pivotal expansion for the Maritime Division of John Good Group and a strategic move into the offshore sector. Arthur Smith, under the leadership of David Smith & James Smith, will be integrated into the operations of the Maritime Division, alongside DAN Shipping & Bay Shipping.

David Smith, comments on the integration,

"Joining with DAN Shipping opens a new chapter for us. It's an opportunity to blend our expertise in offshore and renewables work with Dan Shipping’s longstanding reputation for service and John Good’s significant backing and areas of expertise in marketing, finance and HR."

Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, shares his perspective,

"This acquisition brings expansion in our Maritime Division both in the quality of people and business, but also a strategic move to enter the offshore and renewables markets."

"Welcoming five new team members from Arthur Smith, we're not just growing in numbers but also in our capabilities and reach. I’m really pleased for Steve Pullen, Paul Haste, Mark Mullins, Kevin Parker who worked on the deal, and the wider team at DAN Shipping, for getting this one over the line."

“It’s also a bonus for the group, because we know how special family businesses are, and the completion of this process sees us welcome a fifth-generation business, into our sixth-generation family business. Family businesses, with all the heritage and values that go with them, are things to be cherished and I’m delighted to be welcoming the Smiths into our business and look forward to working with them to build a business for the future."

n.

nuse.

The Quiet Storm: Living With Dementia

nuse.

Most Read

Categories

Recent Posts

Most Read

Categories

Recent Posts

Become a digital subscriber and support our publication enabling us to continue to share more news, each and every day.