Tony Pratchett (the Author) had the same dementia as me. He called it an “embuggerance”, I don’t think I would call it that, it is just part of life and one has to work with it, and make the most of life.

I must admit, although an avid reader, I have not read any of his books, but I have taken to wearing a fedora (red, not black), as he did. The main reason is that it blocks out bright light, but it makes me recognisable and is a talking point.

He was once asked if he had “found god” through his dementia, he answered ” I can’t even find my keys”, I would answer I can’t see far enough!

EOD is when Dementia affects you whilst of working age, under 66 in the UK.

There is much discussion whether we with it benefit from staying in work. Work, in this context, is paid work. Obviously, if one can work, one should work, but the debate is over whether it is better for the person’s health, and self esteem, to be in paid work.

In my case, I actually believe the opposite. I am taking the opportunity to campaign, as you will have guessed. I believe that in paid work, I would not be able to do what I enjoy, when I can and how I want. I did enjoy my paid work but obviously you had to stick to rules, and work the hours set for you whilst now, if I have a foggy day I can just collapse.

I feel my self esteem has improved as I am now who I am, and my health is improved as I have new challenges to overcome, which I can pick and choose.