850,000 people have dementia in England and the number of people developing the disease is increasing annually.

Most of us have heard of Alzheimer’s disease, caused by a buildup of proteins in the brain. But did you know there are more than 200 types of dementia? Vascular dementia is caused by blood vessel disease in the brain, and it’s what my father sadly had. Lewy body dementia causes hallucinations and paranoia. It can be terrifying for the sufferer. It is also heartbreaking for carers trying to explain to their loved one they are safe.

One thing that is common to all dementias is the impact on those around the person with a diagnosis. Regardless of the symptoms, they have to experience the long, slow retreat of who that person once was, while trying to make them as comfortable as possible.

I have personal experience of dementia and the impact it’s had on those around me. I’ve also worked with many clients struggling practically and emotionally when a loved one is suffering

So when I saw that Dementia UK was inviting people to do a knitting challenge over November 2024 I jumped at the chance to take part. I’ll be knitting or crocheting a little bit every day for thirty days.

Join the Knitting Challenge for Dementia UK

In addition to raising money for Dementia UK, I’ll also be doing my mental health some good AND I’ll finish the month with some new creations.

I’m starting with a top down cardigan in lovely chunky merino wool from Lauren Aston Designs in Exeter. Luckily, she also does mail order, it’d be a bit of a hike from Tynemouth to Exeter just for yarn.

Lauren Aston’s lovely online shop is here.

If I manage to get that finished I’ll use odds and ends of yarn to make twiddle muffs, which cover canulas for dementia patients in hospital and provide something else to fiddle with if people get agitated.

Of course November is Gratitude month, so while I knit I’ll be thinking about all the unpaid carers, all the volunteers and all the love that goes into doing our best for someone suffering from this heartbreaking disease.

It’s vital to get as much support as possible for yourself when you’re caring for someone with dementia. Dementia UK runs a free, confidential Dementia Helpline staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who provide information, advice, and support with any aspect of dementia.

The Helpline is open:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm

Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm (closed 25th December)

You can get more information here.

https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/