Dementia patients often overlooked, letter writers say
6 reported
A series of letters published in The Guardian on June 14, 2026, respond to a June 9 article about dementia activists. The letter writers, including family members and a professor, argue that people with dementia are frequently underestimated and that a diagnosis often leads others to focus on decline rather than remaining abilities. One writer describes his wife’s continued enjoyment of volunteering, embroidery, singing, and social events after her diagnosis in her 50s. Another writer, a professor of dementia research, states that health and social care workers often assume people with dementia lack awareness, which he says is not the case. A third writer criticizes early diagnosis for dementia, comparing it unfavorably to cancer because there is no cure or remission, and describes her mother’s depression after an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The letters call for more emotional and psychological support, such as the LivDem programme, and note that support availability varies by location.
What’s reported
Anne Karpf’s article, published June 9, 2026, focused on dementia activists who are “determined to change people’s minds.”
Barry Coleman’s wife was diagnosed with dementia in her 50s and enjoyed volunteering, embroidery, singing, eating out, social events, and a walking group.
Richard Cheston, professor of dementia research and clinical psychologist at UWE Bristol, says memory clinics rarely support people to adjust to their illness.
Cheston states that the LivDem programme and other post-diagnostic groups provide emotional and psychological support, but availability is a “postcode lottery.”
Tamsin O’Connell’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early and lived over a decade after diagnosis with little support from medical professionals or charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society.
O’Connell says she would not seek an early diagnosis for an incurable and untreatable disease.
Key figures
Anne Karpf (author of the original article, not a letter writer)
Barry Coleman (letter writer, Tamworth, Staffordshire)
Maxine Linnell (dementia activist featured in the original article)
Richard Cheston (professor of dementia research and clinical psychologist, UWE Bristol)
Hilary Caldicott (letter writer, Biggar, South Lanarkshire)
Tamsin O’Connell (letter writer, Cambridge)
Michelle Dyson (CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, mentioned in a letter)
Jon (mentioned in a letter as someone who watched his mother suffer)
Sources: The Guardian
