John

John was a keynote speaker at the dementia fair. Aged 64 he was diagnosed with "mild cognitive impairment", which is becoming less mild.

He was a skilled wood turner, but he can no longer cope with the mess. He now does copper foiling glass work, last year he made 12 awards for the carers of a nursing home. This year he was commissioned to make 31 different stars for the annual County Carers' Awards. His work is exquisite, self taught by YouTube.

I chatted to him after his talk, he attends many groups, takes over 31 different medications and his wife has one hour A MONTH respite care when someone from the British Legion gives her a break.

[haskar]

It is so sad. This is a disease of the whole family, and any help is isulorous.

[Joanne Diochon]

It is such a terrible disease that affects more than the main victim. Hard enough to see a loved one deteriorating but to not have more than one hour a month to yourself seems beyond cruel. How does one cope?

[Peter]

Lovely portrait Jackie, sad to see it taking its toll on people loosing them bit by bit:)

[katy]

I like your photo of him. It must be distressing for him and his family to know how he is slipping.

[Kathy A]

Nice portrait of him. Such a difficult and sad situation for both him and his wife

[narayani]

You’ve captured the loss and sadness he must be feeling…there’s such a sense of loss emanating from this portrait.

[JackieR]

@narayani his talk was so moving
@kjarn I felt so much for her and was sure to get permission from both to post this photo
@grammyn I think it's worse for him at the moment
@pcoulson all his crafting skills will disappear
@gardencat his wife was elegant, poised and resigned
@haskar he's a busy man to distract I think, but that will stop one day