Book project helps Alzheimer’s patients

A project to help people with Alzheimer's Disease in north Norfolk is being launched in Norwich to help them put together their life history into a book.

The Life Story Book project has been set up by the Norwich and district branch of the Alzheimer's Society, which is based at St John Maddermarket in the city centre.

A group of volunteers has been put together to help appropriate candidates put their memories and experiences into book form.

Reema Khoury, 24, has been a volunteer in north Norfolk for the past year and explained how invaluable it is for both the patient and families involved.

She said: 'It takes away the dementia and you get to know the individual behind the condition.'

The books record information such as favourite songs or photos, and is being brought to Norwich after a successful launch in 2009 in north Norfolk.

Volunteers spend about 12 weeks putting together the book, which involves them spending about two hours a week with the patients, having a casual conversation about their life experiences.

Laura Smith is services administrator for the society and co-ordinates the Life Story Book project. She said: 'We have some fantastic services all over Norwich but this is something different – this is something we can do in their own home.'

North Norfolk resident Sue Grocott had a life story book created for her mother and said: 'I know mum got a lot out of the visits and relished the opportunity of talking to people who were truly interested in her and what she had to say.'

For more information contact Miss Smith at the Alzheimer's Society on 01603 763517 or visit the website www.alzheimers.org.uk