'It's so important to be open about dementia'

MAN DIAGNOSED AT THE AGE OF JUST 46 WANTS TO HELP OTHERS WITH BOOKLET

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

A MAN diagnosed with dementia at 46 said his diagnosis felt like "a kick in the stomach" after he watched his mum live with it.

Michael Booth has now written a detailed information booklet to support newly diagnosed people, and those affected by dementia.

The former project manager said: "The aim is to help people understand their diagnosis and how they can plan for their future, getting the support they need now and for that future.

"People can sometimes panic after a diagnosis, which can lead to them becoming shut off, with no support or understanding. I want them to know they are not alone."

Michael, an involvement member with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), was only 46 when he was diagnosed with dementia just months after his mother died from the disease.

Six years on, he works tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition and has published a book, Dementia: You are not alone, which has sold around the world.

"The diagnosis was a real blow for me, especially as I'd just watched my mum go through it. It felt like a kick in the stomach at the time, and still does," he said.

"It's a terminal disease, there is no cure, so I had to come to terms with it.