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Dementia is a broad-spectrum category of brain infections that induce a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember. The impressions are great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning and can be heartbreaking for those around them, as they watch their loved one gradually lose the vital parts of their personality and memories of their relationship.
Anne Duncan’s beloved husband Bill has been living with dementia for the last nine years and has ceased to recognize her as his wife. Heartbreaking as this must be, Anne has stood lovingly by Bill’s back and recently received the most wonderful surprise.
Image credits: Anne Duncan
So while Bill can no longer grasp their past together he has fully espoused the present- and the desire that so clearly resides deep in his heart has built itself apparent again! It just goes to show that true love cannot be checked, and will always find a way to express itself no matter what difficulties are available in its path.
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Because although dementia presents challenges to any relationship, it doesn’t mean that people can’t enjoy full, active lives. With love, care, patience and understand those living with dementia can flourish, and amaze their loved ones just like Bill has! Their second marriage has touched them both and given them a wonderful and unexpected endow of happiness, one that is likely to never have happened without the purposes of their family and close friends.
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Always remember, everyone living with dementia is still the same person you once knew despite the changes in their memory and behavior. Social quarantine simply exacerbates the condition, so delight, don’t stop interacting with people because they may be having difficulties communicating or recollecting things! Quality of life is dependent on interaction and relationships with others.
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Anne herself is keenly aware of this and so the couple founded the’ Boogie in the Bar’ initiative, which holds dementia-positive afternoon dances in the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland area. Starting from just one monthly event- now lovingly known as the’ original boogie ,’ at present there is 17 boogies across the area, substantiating hundreds of people to” get out, get up and get dancing .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Anne told the South West News Service that dancing is a shared adoration for the smite pair, something that nurtures their bond and keeps them closer together than ever.
” It is impossible be adapted to life with dementia for both the sufferer and their development partners, and we’re always looking for ways to still enjoy ourselves ,” she said.” We attended a friend’s party last year, and as Bill and I took to the dance floor, it was like all of our troubles melted away .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
” Dancing together helped us forget dementia for that moment, and it was like my old-fashioned partner was back in my arms- it was beautiful .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
” We knew it could help other people in similar situations and give them a chance to escape their fears, so we set up a dementia-friendly disco and it’s been a real success .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Secretary/ Treasurer of Boogie in the Bar, Eva Connell, told Bored Panda that The Boogie events are” open to everyone and are a way for people to combat loneliness and social isolation, to get together during the day and enjoy themselves in a warm, people-friendly environment where everyone is made to feel welcome and included regardless of their age or disabilities .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
” They are a chance to get together with like-minded Boogiers listening, dancing or shuffling in their seat to smashes from the 50 s right up to present day .”
Image credits: Anne Duncan
In October 2017 Boogie in the Bar won the Best Community Support Initiative at Scotland’s Dementia Awards. Great work, Anne and Bill!
Image credits: Anne Duncan
Here’s how people reacted to the sweet tale
Read more: boredpanda.com
