My Mother, Freda died on 28 November 2013 at the age of 91.

She had lived with dementia for the last six years of her life. Dementia took her slowly from this world and those she loved. She was was never quite lost to me as she retained the ability to recognise me, on only a very few occasions did she think I was either my Father or Grandfather - but then we were rather alike! In that respect both my mum and I were lucky.

In the later stages of the condition she was well cared for, however while she struggled with the early effects she was obviously distressed and frequently terrified. Read more at http://www.johnhowarth.com/index.php/2011/09/21/defeating-dementia/.

Dementia is on the increase because we are living longer. One in three over the age of 80 will encounter dementia in some form.

And although dementia already costs the nation more than cancer and heart disease combined we spend only a fraction on research. The growth in the condition is set to cost us all more as the years go by.

It is research that will make a difference - and that might mean you, so please make a donation.

Thanks,

John

PS. Life and my diminishing physical ability has got in the way of my intention to raise funds for this cause, though the good intent remains and I will use any position or notoriety I may achieve in the next few years to make a small contribution to this cause.