'I'm still the same person' - islanders with dementia

A photo exhibition in Jersey depicting islanders living with dementia and their families seeks to change perceptions of the disease.

The Reframing Dementia exhibition by Dementia Jersey and ArtHouse Jersey, captures the joyful moments families still experience, despite the challenges the progressive condition poses.

It's hoped this will lead to a more nuanced understanding of dementia in society.

Vasco Pinto, one of the exhibition's subjects, said the photos show he's "still the same person".

The Madeiran national has lived in Jersey for 65 years with his wife and two daughters, and used to work in the hotel industry.

He said the diagnosis came as a shock: "I'm fine, I'm still the same person. We didn't realise I had Alzheimer's. My friends who I see every day didn't see a difference.

"I was a bit surprised when I found out, but we cope with that. I'm happy."

Pinto lives independently but is supported by Dementia Jersey's social groups.

"They all support me, and it's just a laugh", said Vasco. "I'm looking forward for every meeting, to come in here to see the boys and everything.

"We've become a family, and it's helped me a bit."

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia was also a surprise to Mike Fearnley, who had a varied career in the boating industry.

"I think, at first, I was cross, because I thought, you know, I'm in my 80's, I'm bound to be a bit dodgy", he said. "But then I realised it was worse than that."

Despite struggling with the disease at times, Fearnley is grateful for the life he has.

"My life is much better than it could have been... I feel really lucky to be still here. I'm looking to make 100 and get a card from the governor."

The exhibition shows nine islanders with dementia with their families, enjoying activities like walks with dogs, and playing with their children and grandchildren.

Hannah Gleave, Fearnley's daughter, said support from Dementia Jersey has been "amazing".

"I mean it was really challenging the first few weeks and months after Dad's diagnosis and we were all kind of wondering what that would mean and what does the future hold and then getting involved in the dementia community - it's amazing.

"It's really helped. We've built some friendships and now we're welcoming people in as well who have just been diagnosed too. So it's really important to recognise that not everything changes and actually new things come along as well.

"And there's lots of moments still to enjoy."

Lady Karen Kyd, GP and Patron of Dementia Jersey said: "People think that a diagnosis means that that can actually mean life almost stopping. But it's not. It's a different part of life... it does not define somebody. There's still a person there and a person who can live a joyful life.

"And I would challenge anyone to know that the people in these photographs have actually got dementia. And that's the point, isn't it? That is reframing dementia. Because if we think about it differently, then actually we will help the people who do suffer from it. We will improve their lives."

The exhibition is running until 7 June at ArtHouse Jersey's Capitol House, with a supplementary display in the Royal Square.

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