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SUNDAY MAIL - Glasgow, Scotland
James McKillop knows any day now, he could become a stranger in
his own world.
To combat dementia, he captured his favourite scenes on camera
before his mind shuts them out forever.
This poignant collection of photographs will be a reminder of
happier, carefree times in the life of the 63 year old former
civil servant. His simple idea is so effective, it could help
thousands more reclaim memories from the frightening and isolating
illness that afflicts at least 61,000 Scots.
James, from Glasgow, said: "I was diagnosed with dementia
four years ago. "But I'd spent many years before that simply
not knowing what was happening to me.
"It felt as if I'd spent years wandering in a kind of wilderness.
In the end, I simply stayed home, deeply depressed and unable
to function."
Although devastated to be told he had dementia, James was determined
to do everything he could to keep his most precious memories alive.
Capturing his favourite scenes in a photographic book, "Opening
Shutters-Opening Minds", may now prove an inspirational blueprint
for others.
James said: "I'd taken family snaps of my kids growing up,
but hadn't
picked up a camera in years.
"I'd forgotten how to do it because of my illness. But with
some help, I was able to retrain. There were some technical failures,
but the whole process was really theraputic, and I think the pictures
may give people a new perspective on dementia."
The idea for the book came from Stirling University Dementia Research
Fellow John Killick, who said : "We've been looking at various
ways to enpower those with the illness, and this simple idea works.
"When we see what James has achieved, it shows people with
dementia shouldn't be written off. They have talents and abilities
that only need to be nurtured and encouraged."
Brenda Vincent from mental health support group Turning Point
Scotland helped James prepare his book.
She said: "Although there are 61,000 Scots diagnosed with
dementia, the real figure is probably double that.
"People are so afraid of this illness because it's seen in
such a negative light. The reality can be very different with
the right support and stimulation. We've been told people with
dementia can't learn. But we've had people in our project who've
gone to college and gained qualifications, or returned to work
after years of sitting at home. We see the person and their potential,
not the illness, and we'd like to see projects like ours springing
up across Scotland.
"People diagnosed with cancer don't up their lives. They
fight to keep hold of them. It should be the same for dementia.
Too many are written off when they could be playing vital roles
in their own communities, and still enjoying busy, productive
lives."
James McKilliop said: "I hope I've opened eyes and shown
that a person with dementia can relearn forgotten skills, as well
as learn new ones.
"I want people to understand that dementia isn't an end,
it's a new beginning where you do things differently.
While some things change forever, there's a lot you can still
do. Instead of being pitied or treated in a condescending manner,
I want to be treated the same as before, with just a little allowance
being made in the areas I have problems."
As well as his book of photographs, James has developed a special
credit-card sized Helpcard which allows users to indicate particular
difficulties such as forgetfulness, managing money or getting
lost to shop assistants or bus drivers.
James said: "It encourages us to maintain our independence,
or it can act as a backup in a situation if we're misunderstood,
or things start to go wrong."
Scots comic Rikki Fulton and soccer legend Ally MacLeod are among
stars battling the disease, along with ex-US president Ronald
Reagan. Actor Charlton Heston recently resigned as president of
America's National
Rifle Association because of Alzheimer's.
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