Dementia From an Insider's Perspective

Christine Bryden

Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias are thought of as only happening to old people. Christine Bryden (nee Boden) was only 46 when she was diagnosed with dementia after experiencing symptoms of what she thought was stress, including terrible headaches, and somethe stereotypical symptoms of forgetfulness, memory loss, and confusion. The prognosis was horrific.

Rather than accepting the passive role of Alzheimer’s patient or dementia sufferer, Christine wanted to become a survivor, and to be seen as far more than this disease. She certainly did not want to be called “demented”, as that implied that she was no longer a unique person, simply because one day, a specialist diagnosed her with an illness of cognition.

Christine’s successful struggle to retain function indicates that perhaps the brain can rewire itself. Even in an ongoing process of brain damage such as dementia, there may well be brain (neuro)-plasticity.

Over the next two years she wrote her first book, “Who will I be when I die?”, published by HarperCollins in 1998, under her maiden name of Boden. The title expresses the fear she had about this disease that is supposed to rob you of your identity and personality.

At the time, as a single mother of three young girls, Christine had reason to be fearful. Recently divorced, the news sent her into a tailspin, and was emotionally devastating for her daughters. Yet she looked to the future with hope, and chose a positive outlook on life. TSo much so, that hree years after her diagnosis, she met Paul Bryden, a former diplomat. Despite her prognosis, they fell in love and married; two super achievers, one embarking on an inevitable journey of decline. she met and married her husband Paul in 1999. With his help, support and encouragement, Christine has been an active advocate for people with dementia, and has written a second book, “Dancing with dementia,” Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2005.

Christine had a distinguished career, when she was diagnosed with dementia in 1995. Three years after her diagnosis, she met Paul Bryden, a former diplomat. Despite her diagnosis, they fell in love and married; two super achievers, one embarking on an inevitable journey of decline.

Faced with the prospect of cognitive degeneration, Christine charted the "progress" of her disease in her two books. Most dramatically, she facesd the question, "Who am I?" as her memory and cognitive function declined. She talks about what it feels like and what you can do to help, offering care-giver tips and insights into the Hers was an emotional and spiritual journey, accompanied by Paul, a loving and supportive husband. She has a positive outlook on life, despite the challenges she faceds each day by people with dementia and their carers.. ChristineIn her books, Christine talks frankly of her thoughts and feelings, as she looks at a new perspective on life through the lens of dementia. .

To contact Christine, please email christine@christinebryden.com