'Dancing with Dementia' is a thoughtful exploration of how dementia
challenges our ideas of personal identity and of the process of self-discovery
it can bring about.Christine Bryden was a top civil servant and single mother of three
children when she was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46. Since then she
has gone on to challenge almost every stereotype of people with dementia by
campaigning for self-advocacy, writing articles and speaking at national
conferences.; This book is a vivid account of the author's experiences of living with
dementia, exploring the effects of memory problems, loss of independence,
difficulties in communication and the exhaustion of coping with simple tasks.
She describes how, with the support of her husband Paul, she continues to lead
an active life nevertheless, and explains how professionals and carers can
help.; Christine Bryden makes an outspoken attempt to change prevailing attitudes
and misconceptions about the disease. Arguing for greater empowerment and
respect for people with dementia as individuals, she also reflects on the
importance of spirituality in her life and how it has helped her better
understand who she is and who she is becoming.
