One voice with Alzheimer’s may have been silenced…
but not forgotten. Co-founder of Dementia Alliance International [TCV Update 9/27/2022: URL Updated], the late Dr. Richard Taylor was a psychologist prior to being diagnosed at age 58 with dementia likely caused by Alzheimer’s.
Throughout the years and until his passing in July of this year, he remained a credible voice of reason and common sense. Urging funding for programs for care, he sought a better quality of life for people diagnosed with dementia.
He often said, “Stand up and speak out” and he practiced what he preached around the world as he raised awareness in order to reduce the stigma.
For our Voices with Dementia, this month, we give thanks to Dr. Richard Taylor, a voice of reason underscored by impassioned pleas to national advocacy organizations, policy makers, and even medical professionals.
This interview with Dr. Richard Taylor on March 18, 2015 begins with his reaction to being diagnosed. He cried. “It’s just profound those words, ‘You have Alzheimer’s.’ It stirs up such deep insecurities inside of people.” And this is just the first three-and-a-half minutes.
Dr. Taylor presents a compelling account in a 4-minute video about Living Outside the Stigma despite being given a life sentence in Tips for Dementia Awareness.
After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, he underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. His experience with “going under” inspired Dr. Taylor’s nine tips for those with dementia who require hospitalization.
Dr. Richard Taylor spoke at the Alzheimer’s Disease International 2014 conference in Puerto Rico sharing what he learned during the nearly ten years he’s lived with dementia. He also shared a funny presentation at this conference: You don’t look like you have Alzheimer’s.
In the mid to late nineties, there was nary a whisper among people with Alzheimer’s and caregivers.
Nearly 20 years later, thousands of caregivers are writing and speaking about their experiences and people with dementia are rising up in increasing numbers to raise dementia awareness caused by Alzheimer’s, Lewy bodies, vascular, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal lobe, and rarer causes.
What a GIFT.
Additional Resources
People with dementia are helping themselves and caregivers
In years past, people with dementia would quietly retreat. Not anymore. Today’s activists are helping raise awareness among those diagnosed with dementia and those of us who are willing to learn.
The Myths of Dementia presented by Dr. Richard Taylor in September 2014 [Link unavailable]
A 35-minute presentation followed by 55 minutes of discussion and Q&A among people around the world. Presented by Dementia Alliance International. Informative but poor audio quality.
In What language do we use to describe dementia? panelists explore how we remove the stigma attached to the word dementia; yet, hold onto the connection people have with the word as they grow aware, understand, vote, fund, or describe these family of diseases associated with cognitive functioning? War terminology (such as “battling dementia) and dementia victims / sufferers are also explored.
