A COVENTRY couple has backed a new campaign revealing how dementia tests married couples’ ultimate vow of ‘in sickness and in health.’
The realities of caring for a partner with dementia were laid bare in a new campaign launched by the Alzheimer’s Society.
The campaign features an emotional TV and radio ad, narrated by actor Colin Firth, which shows how dementia can change the dynamics of a relationship.
In 2021, Andy Norris’s wife Kim was diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of dementia, aged 63.
Kim had a few problems with her memory in her late 50s, which the couple jokingly put to her age, but she soon began developing eyesight issues.
Andy said: “We tried new glasses and after several different specialist consultations, and an MRI scan of Kim’s eyes, we were given the devastating diagnosis that she had PSA.”
He added the whole dynamic of their relationship had changed following the diagnosis.
“We’d always had a loving, and caring marriage, but as Kim was slowly robbed of parts of herself, I had to step in.
“Even using the TV or radio became difficult for Kim- I metamorphosed into her carer.
“The first time someone pointed this out to me I was taken aback, I hadn’t consciously set out to be that.
“After the initial shock, we soon realised that we couldn’t beat it, or cure it, but mutually decided we wouldn’t let it damage our relationship.
“We would learn to live with it, rather than fight against it, and any subsequent challenges it might present, we would deal with together.
“You have to learn to live with the cards you are dealt, and maintain your positivity, with a large sprinkle of love and laughter, despite the challenges we face now or in the future.”
Broadcaster and writer Richard Madeley is backing the campaign, while Sir Paul McCartney’s daughter Mary has taken photographs of couples affected by dementia that will appear on billboards this month.
