What's happening to me?'

Successful translator and linguist Helga Rohra was understandably good with words - that is, until she found herself getting in a muddle when she spoke. She started to forget the way home, even though she could remember her address. Her confusing symptoms increased and Helga was diagnosed with dementia at age 50 - but she hasn't let herself be labelled with the usual stereotypes.

With entertaining vim Helga shows that her life is still as abundant and self-determined as ever, dismantling the negative stereotypes that often surround a dementia diagnosis. She speaks frankly and with humour about her diagnosis and life with young onset Lewy Body Dementia. She explains the changes in her everyday life and the challenges she faces, and shares practical tips that prove it is possible to live well with dementia. Helga also talks about her activism work, which has made hers one of the key voices internationally in dementia advocacy.

Positive and affirming memoir from a dementia activist on her experience of living with young onset Lewy Body Dementia

About the Author

Helga Rohra worked as a freelance translator specialising in medical and scientific translations. Even before her diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia, she advocated for people with disabilities and dementia. She is Chair of the EWGPWD (European Working Group of People with Dementia) under the umbrella of Alzheimer Europe, Vice Chair of DAI (Dementia Alliance International), sits on the board of Alzheimer Europe, and is also the Chair of Trotzdemenz e.V. (a German organisation run by people with and without dementia to raise awareness of the condition). Helga lives with her son in Munich, Germany.

Falko Piest assisted Helga with writing this book. Falko Piest is an academic at Dementia Support Stuttgart.

Reviews
Helga writes of the trauma of diagnosis, and seeking support. Yet her fighting spirit meant she became a great advocate for living positively with dementia. This book is a testimony to her amazing resilience, despite her daily battles with this invisible condition. Helga is a true dementia expert! -- Christine Bryden, author of Who Will I Be When I Die?, Dancing with Dementia, and Nothing About Us, Without Us!
Speaks truth to power: listen, learn, ACT! -- Professor Peter Mittler, CBE, Human Rights Advisor, Dementia Alliance International



Book Information
ISBN 9781785920714
Author Helga Rohra
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 150g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 185mm * 13mm