Life's Journey with Dementia, Narrated by Norrms Mc Namara
In the coastal town of Torquay, UK, a humble beginning marked the start of a global movement. Norrms Mc Namara, then 51 years old, was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, a form of dementia characterized by progressive cognitive decline and visual hallucinations[1]. This diagnosis, following a perfusion scan on Mc Namara's brain, was the catalyst for a campaign that would soon transform the lives of countless individuals affected by dementia.
Mc Namara, faced with the challenges of his own diagnosis, was determined to make a difference. His response was the creation of the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance, a small group dedicated to raising awareness and support for dementia in the local community[4]. This humble start, despite a lack of funding even for printing the minutes of the meeting, was the genesis of what would become the globally recognized Purple Angel dementia campaign.
The first meeting of the Torbay Dementia Action Alliance was attended by councilors, doctors, nurses, carers, and the general public. It was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, a spirit that would remain at the heart of the Purple Angel dementia campaign. The meeting in Torquay led to the creation of the Purple Angel dementia campaign, a movement that has since expanded to over 65 countries around the globe[5].
The Purple Angel dementia campaign is a symbol of hope, promoting understanding and combating stigma surrounding dementia. It has achieved significant milestones, such as opening the first memory cafe in Africa, making headlines on CNN, and launching the first memory cafe in the USA, with now over 1,500 across the states[2]. The campaign has also held an annual "World Rocks against Dementia" event, with over 22 countries participating in the past[6].
The Purple Angel dementia campaign is not just about raising awareness; it's about supporting those living with dementia. The campaign fundsraise to send PRE Loaded MP3s to as many people with dementia in the UK as possible, providing a source of comfort and familiarity[3]. The campaign has also been honoured with a visit from Prince Edward, who paid a visit to one of their memory cafes, and has even had lunch at Downing Street with David Cameron[7].
Norrms Mc Namara, the founder of the Purple Angel dementia campaign, lives by the motto "Surround Yourself With Good people And Good Things Happen." This ethos is evident in the community spirit and support that the campaign fosters. As the campaign continues to grow, it serves as a testament to Mc Namara's belief in the power of community and the hope that good can come from even the most challenging circumstances.
If you wish to learn more about the Purple Angel dementia campaign or get involved, visit their website at https://purpleangel-global.com/. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lewy body dementia. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lewy-body-dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355845
[2] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). Our story. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/our-story/
[3] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). Our work. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/our-work/
[4] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). About Purple Angel. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/about-purple-angel/
[5] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). Global reach. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/global-reach/
[6] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). World Rocks against Dementia. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/world-rocks-against-dementia/
[7] Purple Angel dementia campaign. (2021). Our achievements. [online] Available at: https://purpleangel-global.com/our-achievements/
