My name was Reg. I had Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia in the later years of my life. I was an East End boy living in a 3 bedroom semi in Essex with my family.

When I retired, I thought it would be fun after all those years of hard work and I still wanted to enjoy life a little and contribute.

Alas, it was not to be. I lost my purpose in life. I became lost and felt really down at times. Then I started to forget little things, become confused, agitated and frustrated. I even forgot where I put my keys and I needed help with small tasks and at times dressing and remembering to eat.

I would put my coat on and go out on a summer's day and I did not notice it was really warm. I did not mean to forget, become confused or agitated. From time to time, I became frustrated at every thing taking so much longer to achieve, even speaking or choosing what to eat became confusing. I even forgot how to make a "cuppa".

Please hold our hand as we enter the winter of our life.