The project that’s a ‘lifeline’ for people living with dementia

As a former bus driver, Alan, 80, had plenty of experience behind the wheel and initially, Alison thought his bouts of confusion were simply due to his age. But when his cognitive skills continued to deteriorate, she realised her husband needed to be clinically assessed.

Alison, 70, said, “It was hard to get a referral, hard to get a diagnosis. It felt like I was pushing against a brick wall.”

In May 2021, Alan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behaviour.

Alison said, “Alan was forced to give up his driving licence, which left him feeling devastated, angry and frustrated. He thought people were against him. He still struggles with [the diagnosis] and it’s still a difficult subject to discuss.”

Alan told his wife he didn’t want anyone to know he had Alzheimer’s. But she felt it was better that neighbours and friends in their village, about eight miles from Barnsley, were aware of his condition. She said, “I told him that if he was out of the house and didn’t know where he was, there would be someone who could help him.”

Four years after his diagnosis, life is extremely challenging for both Alison and Alan. He is argumentative, suffers incontinence and his erratic sleep patterns are exhausting for both him and his wife.

She said, “The man I once knew has gone. If I say ‘black’, he will say ‘white’. Nowadays, he also gets aggressive with people on the TV because he thinks they’re talking to him. We have to be very careful with the programs we choose.”

Helping Alison and Alan cope is BIADS (Barnsley Independent Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support), a National Lottery-funded project set up to help those with dementia, as well as their family and friends. The couple go to three BIADS sessions a week, sharing coffee, stories and coping mechanisms with others affected by dementia.

Alison said, “We were a bit nervous when we walked through the door for the first time, but BIADS are like family now – they're a lifeline. Alan’s face lights up when he walks in and the staff are wonderful. They’ve been saviours for us and many others.”

One of the most important sessions takes place on Thursdays. There are activities for Alan to enjoy, which frees Alison to chat to other carers. She said, “It’s so wonderful. We get a lot of information from the staff and share little tips on how to handle things. We have a laugh, we cry and we get angry. But nobody bats an eyelid because we’re all in the same boat.”

World Alzheimer's Day is on Sunday 21st September 2025.

29th August 2025