Keith Oliver was diagnosed with dementia when in his fifties, in 2014. This memoir is based on his experiences and activism while living with (definitely NOT ‘suffering from’) younger onset dementia.
I’m very interested in this genre - my previous work was with people with dementia - and Keith Oliver’s book is inspiring. He is tireless in championing the training and education around this condition and an impressive spokesperson and advocate.
He also subverts the myth that people with dementia should be wrapped in cotton wool, ignoring his consultant’s advice to cancel a forthcoming annual holiday to Australia, post-diagnosis, and going on to enjoy this and several more.
My only caveat is that this is very much a diary: there are lots of accounts of meetings, complete with names of groups and acronyms, and names of helpers, colleagues and participants. This does make it slightly repetitive.
But there is much to commend this determined account of taking on the ‘dear dementia’ Oliver writes to, and it should give hope and admiration to anyone who has previously written off someone with dementia or seen it as an ending rather than part of life’s journey.

What a well written book.
My mum suffers from dementia so at times this book was difficult to read on a personal level.
I think everyone should read this book.

I feel odd saying I enjoyed this book, I loved the idea of the story giving the reader an insight into the reality of living with dementia is actually life.
Keith Oliver has been diagnosed with dementia in 2014 while in his fifties.
Nothing within this read is sugar coated- it is what it is.
Raw, emotional, honest, real, personal and inspirational
This is a book that all book lovers should read.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for my eARC of this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

This book Is a diary of daily events by a man that has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Keith Oliver leaves his career after his diagnosis and becomes a champion for education and research of the disease. His diary discusses in detail who he meets with a daily and his work and dedication to support dementia research. He deserves a lot of accommodations for championing this cause but as far as the book goes..... it is very redundant with no stimulating or enlightening information. Some of his letters to Dear Dementia give some insight and perspective into his feelings, but for the most part, if you want to learn more about this brutal disease and it’s affect on the brain, you will need to find another book. Having previously read Brain on Fire (and loved it) I had high hopes for this book. There was not much to take away here other than he kept a very busy calendar for a man with dementia and was a champion for the cause.

This was an interesting read giving a personal insight into living with dementia. Hard going in places but definitely made for a thought-provoking read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for my review.

I work in care and with dementia patients,this book knew dementia inside out.worth reading if you know or work with someone with dementia.dementa can happen to anyone.i give this book five stars,I’ll also get this book for my sister who works the same place as me.a excellent read.

It was interesting to discover that he was a teacher as it gave me something that I could relate to. I also can't imagine how devastating it might be to have to leave your career due to a disease but I like that he still remains active within education. It reminds you that those with dementia haven't always been that way. Most will have had normal lives until they got their diagnosis and maybe even for a while afterwards. It puts life into perspective.

He discusses his symptoms before his diagnosis, getting a diagnosis and life after the diagnosis. It is mostly matter of fact and he doesn't delve too deeply into the emotions. The most human aspects are his yearly 'Dear Dementia' letters that he writes to his disease. I really enjoyed reading these.

The more I read, the harder it is to read. He starts describing his days more and I'm not too interested. He doesn't really talk about how it feels but is more just a matter-of-fact diary. I can imagine it would be nice to read if you are a matter-of-fact person who has just been diagnosed with dementia but for me, I prefer a more raw approach.

I will be posting a full review on my blog on 4th April but it can be moved upon request.

A wanted to read this book as my mum has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I was keen to find out the experience of someone actually living with the condition. The book is a diary which details the various groups and projects the author has become involved in since his diagnosis, rather than an account of living with the condition itself. It spans from diagnosis to the present day - approximately 7/8 years. I found it a little heavy going with details of meetings etc and not much from a personal aspect.