Here's Bonnie Estridge's amazing series on Life with Alzheimer's, published in The Mail on Sunday (the Daily Mail, UK)
• Alzheimer's won't defeat me, I have so much to look forward to: One sufferer's defiant message as dementia rates in Britain soar (The Mail on Sunday, 11-11-17)
Bonnie Estridge can remember seeing Bob Dylan at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1969 but forgets simple words she uses on a daily basis. Doctors in London fear she has Alzheimer's.
• 'So what if I lose my keys - they'll turn up': BONNIE ESTRIDGE on not letting Alzheimer's get in the way of her life (Bonnie Estridge for The Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail UK, 7-21-18) Journalist Bonnie Estridge, 66, from London, offers a refreshingly upbeat approach to living life with the illness that she refers to as 'the A-word'.
• The A-word: Bonnie Estridge has Alzheimer's... but life goes on (8-18-18)
Bonnie Estridge, 67, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year. Here she gives her undeniably upbeat take on life with the illness she calls ‘the A-word’.
• The real agony of going to the dentist? Getting lost on the way! (9-15-18)
BONNIE, 67, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year. Here, her undeniably upbeat take on life with the illness she calls ‘the A-word’.
• Helping hand from Downton creator on my luvvie night out: BONNIE ESTRIDGE on how Alzheimer’s is portrayed in the media (10-13-18)
Bonnie Estridge describes stepping out of her comfort zone by agreeing to give a speech at a Channel 4 event in London, organised in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society.
• The unbearable question: How long will I live? (11-24-18)
How long am I going to live? I’m not normally introspective, but the question was sparked a few weeks ago when I visited my friend Melanie’s mum, who is in the local care home.
• My gravy meltdown and how it led to my Alzheimer's diagnosis: on how Christmas is the best time to spot dementia (12-17-18)
Two years ago, the stress of Christmas prompted something serious: One of the first clear signs of something that would change our family Christmases, and our lives, for ever.
BONNIE ESTRIDGE: This year the girls are coming over for Christmas Day, and my husband Chris will work his magic with a small turkey. Seeing them is what it's all about for me.
• Should I give up shopping in case I become a thief? (1-26-19)
A recent study found eight per cent of dementia patients ended up committing crimes, including theft.
• Friends reunited on a trip back to the summer of '69 (2-16-19)
The other day, BONNIE ESTRIDGE read a quote somewhere online that said ‘adult friendships are two people saying, “I haven’t seen you in ages – we should hang out more until one of you dies’.
• Don't laugh, but I've watched Bohemian Rhapsody 12 times (4-14-19)
I don’t really remember a lot of it, so it’s just as enjoyable every time. Watching the film over and over is a comforting routine.
• I keep forgetting that I've got this horrible illness (5-11-19)
I am writing this column from my hotel room in Barcelona, sporting a large plaster on my left knee. Chris and I are on holiday to see an old friend and explore the city.
• A bus stop in my dementia ward? It's just the ticket (6-15-19)
A few weeks ago, a bus stop appeared slap bang in the middle of the dementia ward at my local hospital, St George's in London. There it was, complete with the iconic red circle.
Anything I can actually remember is labelled 'weak'. Eventually, in frustration, I'll put something in so complex it has to be written down.
• Why, with huge reluctance, I'm off the booze: (8-24-19)
I have given up booze. Completely, on doctor's orders. I haven't touched a drop for more than a month and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it.
• When I played the beautiful game – in Biba high heels (9-28-19)
I went to Wembley to watch England play in the 1966 World Cup. And my first taste of playing came - yes, I did! - when I was about 20, while working for Vanity Fair magazine.
I don't rake over the events of the day in my head. I don't worry or ruminate. I suppose it's all to do with the fact that my short-term memory is bad.
• BONNIE ESTRIDGE on life with Alzheimer's: They've banned me from the kitchen… and I'm delighted! (12-21-19)
This year the girls are coming over for Christmas Day, and my husband Chris will work his magic with a small turkey. Seeing them is what it's all about for me.
• A new test for my illness… sniffing peanut butter! (7-18-20)
Have you heard of the peanut butter test for Alzheimer's? If you can't smell it, it could be an early-warning sign of the disease.
• I can tell the time but can't draw a clock... that's scary 8-15-20)
When it comes to clocks, I had a bit of a horrible realisation recently when my husband asked me to draw one on a blank piece of paper, and, as hard as I tried, I just couldn't.
• Don’t call Monika my carer... she’s my friend and personal shopper!
(Bonnie Estridge, Daily Mail UK, 7-31-21)
I bought a bottle of elderflower cordial while I was pottering around the shops the other day with my new friend Monika. I say she's my friend. In fact, she's my carer.
Here's a link to the whole series (I hope it still works!)