The story of my life as a dental student and how I progressed to helping people living with dementia.

In 1976, I enrolled as a dental student at University College London and thoroughly enjoyed working there with fellow students and staff. I worked as a student dentist at UCL and then exclusively in 5 NHS practices in South East London and 1 Dental Hospital increasing my experience. I greatly enjoyed my experience in dentistry and now look forward to helping patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

My wife and I travelled to Sydney for Christmas 2021, to stay with my son, his wife and our two young grandchildren. I found separation from them, especially my son, at the end of our stay, particularly difficult and subsequently challenging to manage day-to-day life. My friends and family became aware of this too. 

It was a tough January 2022, coping with jetlag and ongoing anxiety. My local GP was very helpful and sympathetic. He was due to retire and referred me to a psychiatrist, with whom I had an hour’s session, discussing my background and running some tests.

 I was reviewed by the psychiatrist in January 2023, advised to give up driving and referred to Bromley Memory Service. It will be a disappointment if my driving license is not restored by DVLA but I’m very fortunate to have a variety of good public transport.

 In February 2023 I had a CT scan

In April 2023 Assessment at Oxleas, Beckenham Beacon

Assessment by doctor at Bridgeways

June 2023 MRI scan and review of medication

I was given a diagnosis of Mild Mixed dementia (vascular type)/Alzheimer’s.

One suggestion made by the psychiatrist, at an initial session, was to smile and interact with some people I came into contact with on my way to my early morning swim/coffee shop; this was a helpful tip. I felt reassured, and continue to feel reassured, about my dementia and Alzheimer’s prognosis. On a day-to-day basis, I try to support my community, and look forward to frequent visits to my daughter, her family and my two small grandchildren who live nearby. I very much enjoy what London has to offer, I continue to play golf, gardening, and play outdoor bowls in the summer months. I am fortunate also to spend occasional holidays with my son and family, at a destination between Australia and the UK, and this has helped me to accept the geographic distance between us.

 I enjoy helping people with dementia and offering advice using the condition that I have myself including Alzheimer’s which has improved and resolved my condition significantly.

 

Mark