Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary

Andrew Edwards shares his diary in an unfolding story about his Mum, who has dementia. Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds.

Clips

Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
Mum dies at home, in her sleep, in her own bed - son Andrew is relieved that her dearest wish has come true

Mum's life and her dementia journey are over - she dies in her sleep at home
"This is one of the trickiest diaries I've ever recorded" - son Andrew talks emotionally about his Mum's sudden decline

As Mum's condition worsens, a GP writes a prescription for end of life medicines
As Andrew has to get a replacement 'ReSPECT' form for Mum, he talks about what it is and why it's so important

Mum spends the week in bed, as her son talks about respecting people living with dementia
Andrew's relieved to be back with Mum, after he tests negative following Covid

Two calls in a week about Mum's health underline to Andrew the importance of good care
Covid finally catches up with Andrew after more than two years, so there's no visit for Mum this week

Covid's back on the agenda - son Andrew's ill in Leeds, but Mum's safe at home in Hull
Family, friends, the Jubilee and a flash of the 'old' Mum

The old Mum is back, briefly, in a single sentence to a carer: 'Put it on the mat!'
Mum spends the day sleeping after a bad night, but stirs when the chiropodist starts work on her toe nails

Son Andrew is touched when Mum says 'thank you' after he feeds her a bowl of tomato soup
Anxious times for Andrew: new council contracts mean it's likely to be all change for Mum's care

Andrew's worried as new council contracts mean Mum's care company looks set to change
A visit from the hairdresser prompts Andrew to think about the importance of getting a dementia diagnosis

In Dementia Action Week Andrew talks about how Mum's haircuts mirror her deterioration
Hear how Mum responds when son Andrew tells her a friend's about to arrive, bearing flowers

Andrew looks at what's catching Mum's eye - from flowers and cards to a checked napkin
A heart-warming moment for son Andrew, when - after a long time not speaking - Mum says please and thank you

Andrew marvels at the brain as, despite late stage dementia, Mum thanks her carers
As Mum sleeps more and interacts less, son Andrew chats to two people he meets about their own families and dementia

A supermarket shop and a service for Mum's boiler lead to conversations about dementia
As Mum turns 86, son Andrew looks at a picture on her 80th birthday, and reflects on life before dementia

Andrew talks about the cruelty of dementia as Mum turns 86, unaware of her birthday
Andrew enjoys a rare afternoon when Mum's completely awake and admires her bunny themed Easter present

Carolyn avidly watches animal programmes and enjoys son Andrew reading her a noisy story!
Son Andrew's often asked questions about what Mum, with late stage dementia, can still do - here are some answers

A visit for Mum - and freesias - from Andrew's partner, who's rewarded with lovely smiles
Son Andrew's glad to be back with Mum after a week's holiday and reflects on another call out for the paramedics

Andrew talks about choosing to spend Mother's Day with his immediate family, not Mum
An emotional discovery for son Andrew as he empties Mum's bedside cabinet

Andrew discovers three diaries from the time Mum got married, but leaves them unopened
Mum smiles when her friend Sue brings a bunch of daffodils on a spring day

After a difficult few weeks, son Andrew is cheered by Mum's friend Sue bringing daffodils
Son Andrew talks emotionally about the mental impact that Mum's decline is taking on him

"I think the mental toll this takes is probably something that needs talking about"
As the manager of Mum's pharmacy moves on, son Andrew celebrates the little kindnesses that make a big difference

Son Andrew celebrates the acts of kindness which make a huge difference to Mum's life
Andrew arrives at his Mum's house to the sharp smell of urine and hyacinths

How Mum sipping a cup of juice through a straw feels like a big deal
Will Mum's dream come true, where she lives almost entirely on a diet of sweet food?

Son Andrew makes progress, looking at ways to make sure his Mum Carolyn keeps on eating
As Mum struggles to eat her puréed food, son Andrew looks for solutions

Mum's false teeth are now so loose that she's struggling even to eat puréed food
Challenging times for son Andrew, as Mum's dementia deepens

As Mum's dementia gets worse, a friend's visit brings comfort for her and son Andrew

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