Volunteer stories

A former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has spoken about how volunteering for studies through Join Dementia Research has given him a sense of purpose after his Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.  Peter Middleton from Northamptonshire was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2018, aged 64.  Diagnosis Peter said: “I had been a Police Community Support […]

Mary Stewart-David, a writer and consultant narratologist from South London, spoke movingly about her mother’s dementia diagnosis and how this inspired her to get involved in research.  Mary said: “I got involved in research as a volunteer because I saw my mother through dementia. I am aware that it might affect me in the future. […]

A husband and wife who received a dementia diagnosis in 2013 made a decision shortly after to take part in research to regain a sense of control. Ten years on and they are still embarking on trials, saying the experience has left them feeling empowered, supported and resilient.  Diagnosis Geoff Fenwick formerly worked as a […]

Research Champion and Sunday Times best-selling author Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young onset dementia at the age of 58. Wendy, who was an NHS Manager for 20 years until 2015 recalls: “I was coming out of my office one day and I didn’t know who I was or who all the people around me […]