Reflections on living alone with dementia – Julie’s story

My name is Julie and I’m from Halifax in West Yorkshire. In May 2017, I was diagnosed with young-onset dementia. I was 54 years old. I had been experiencing failing and fluctuating health for over 5 years, but it had always been dismissed as firstly depression, then menopause. When the dementia diagnosis was delivered, it was in a very cold and clinical manner. My appointment was late in the afternoon. I was attending alone as I had no family support. The waiting room was emptying as the clock ticked on, and eventually, even the reception staff were packing up.