JDA Magazine May 2025 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 20
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CAROLYN DENMARK EXPLAINS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Christine Bennett and Neil Kaufman write:
There are various symptoms e.g. logical skills, also
known as cognitive impairment. Sometimes they
can a昀昀ect people’s daily life and stop them being
able to function independently. The disease also
a昀昀ects behaviour, feelings and relationships.
Carolyn showed us the various signs of dementia,
the di昀昀erent stages and how to understand them.
Carolyn Denmark gave an excellent talk about
dementia. The room was full of people, many of
whom came to learn about this di昀케cult topic.
There is a lack of information out there for Deaf
people and Carolyn wants to make sure Deaf
people understand how to recognise and deal with
dementia, particularly when someone we know is
living with it.
Although Carolyn is not medically quali昀椀ed,
dementia has run in her family, and she has
experience of dealing with it. Carolyn told us that
both her mother and stepfather had developed
dementia, and she shared with us how challenging
it had been for her to cope with this. When she
told us about her experiences, we all learnt and
understood a lot more from this alone.
Carolyn realised that Deaf people lack vital
information about dementia, so she went for
training to learn more about it. She gained
in-depth knowledge of dementia and through this,
and her own personal experiences, she is now able
to support other Deaf people.
Carolyn explained that dementia is not a
single disease. It is an overall term to describe
symptoms that are caused by abnormal brain
changes. This includes speci昀椀c diseases such as
Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body and many more.
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JDATogether — Issue 50 — May 2025
The early stage may be when someone
experiences mild symptoms, such as confusion
and misplacing items. That could be due to
Mild Cognitive Impairment, also known as MCI.
People with MCI may be aware that their memory
or mental ability has changed. Family and close
friends may also notice changes. But these
changes may not be bad enough to impact daily
life or a昀昀ect usual activities. However, MCI could
be a sign that the person is at risk of developing
dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or other
brain disease. This is why it is important not to
ignore it, and to get a medical assessment.
Her talk a昀昀ected us profoundly. She made us
more aware of the importance of preparing
ourselves for the future and supporting our loved
ones who may be a昀昀ected.
Thank you to Carolyn for coming to JDA and
giving such a useful lecture, all in BSL, making
information fully accessible for Deaf people to
understand.
