WATCH: "People with dementia can still live really fulfilling lives"

Friday 21 September 2018

Sunflowers, sunsets and avocados all feature in a unique exhibition of paintings and drawings by islanders on a “journey” with dementia, unveiled as part of a bid to show they can still “create new memories and do amazing things.”

Held at the Jersey Arts Centre in conjunction with the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association this week, the exhibition is helping mark World Alzheimer’s Day today.

It is estimated that around 1,600 people are affected by dementia in Jersey, 850,000 across the UK and 50 million worldwide.

The charity say more and more people are being diagnosed every day, with the patients getting younger and younger, the charity is constantly looking for new ways to support people affected by the disease.

Video: Two artsy endeavours swept town this week to celebrate World Alzheimer's Day.

One of those ways is through the weekly Jersey Alzheimer's Association Arts Exploration Group, who created the exhibition series. Between 20 and 30 people take part in the sessions which help people with dementia come together to relax and express themselves through art.

Sean Pontin, Manager of JAA, explained: "It is something everyone can do. It really helps people express themselves, whether it's their feelings or their emotions, just to be people to lose themselves in something that they can still do that really doesn't rely on memory." 

He added that some of the works on display were fantastic and had been created at various parts of people's dementia “journey.”

"For us it's a real opportunity to show that people with dementia can still live really fulfilling lives, create new memories and still do amazing things," he told Express.

Pictured: Jersey Alzheimer's Association Manager, Sean Pontin.

And it’s not the only artistic endeavour to have taken to town to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day.

Earlier this week, the association also decked the Central Market Fountain with 650 forget-me-nots.

Yolanda Whitley, the charity's administrator, explained: "I saw the Poppy Appeal display last year and I thought it was a great idea. 

“Volunteers, friends and families, trustees all got involved and we knitted over 650 forget-me-nots so you have all the possible variations! The Market and Appleblossoms helped us finalise the display and we were quite proud of it!"

Pictured: Yolanda Whitley, the charity's Administrator.

Although patient-focused, the charity also aims to help their families and carers. They have all been invited for a celebratory tea party this afternoon. 

Mr Pontin said: "It's to mark the day in a way that says thank you. It is also a celebration, rather than something sad, and it shows what can still be done, and is being done, by people who have dementia.”