SUSIE MURRAY is a bubbly, cheery lady who always tries to make the best of what life has to offer.
When she was told she had early onset vascular dementia two years ago, that mindset could easily have been impacted.
Although life has changed since the diagnosis, 67-year-old Susie and devoted husband George continue to have a positive outlook.
“I just focus on the good things,” said Susie, from Aberdeen. “There are people out there worse off.
“It must be much harder and scarier for those who are on their own, but at least we have each other.”
George has Ankylosing Spondylitis, a painful condition which has caused his neck bones to fuse together and tilted his head to one side.
“There are some things I can’t do that Susie can and vice versa,” the 54-year-old explained. “We work well together and help each other out.”
It was around three years ago that both noticed a change in Susie’s behaviour.
“It was subtle things, like becoming more aggressive towards TV programmes she was watching. She was becoming more hyper and upset. Her mannerisms were changing.” The couple saw their doctor and following consultations Susie was given the diagnosis.
“It’s been a roller coaster of feelings,” she admitted. “Now I’ve decided to just live each day one at a time.”
The couple found an understanding ear at the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre in Aberdeen. Susie takes part in art therapy, while George joins her in group events like the recent therapeutic visit from Bob’s Buddies, which involved meeting hand-reared owls. “The drop-in centre has been heaven-sent,” George admitted.
Another tower of strength has been their family – daughters Gemma and Gaynor and three grandkids, Emily, Katie and Cody, with a fourth due next month.
Gemma and Emily joined George and Susie on the Memory Walk in Aberdeen last year and the family is looking forward to pulling on their walking shoes again this summer.
“I really enjoyed the Memory Walk,” said Susie. “It’s good to know we’re not out there on our own.”
Memory Walks
Memory Walks will take place at 17 locations throughout Scotland in August and September.
The walks are perfect for all ages and abilities, and give families the chance to come together and pay tribute to someone close to them.
Registration for a Memory Walk is £10 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year-olds and under-12s walk for free.
Visit memorywalksscotland.org to find out more and to register.
If you are interested in volunteering, more information can be found at
memorywalksscotland.org/volunteer or by calling 0131 243 1453
If you have any questions about dementia or the services in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s free 24-hour helpline on 0808 808 3000 or email helpline@alzscot.org
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