Vascular Dementia – Michelle’s Journey

Following on from this year’s World Alzheimer’s Month, I wanted to share my experiences with the condition, how it has affected my family and me. Hopefully I can use this platform to raise awareness for some good causes, dedicated to studying, treating and defeating dementia once and for all.

My name is Michelle, and I’m the MD at Medilink Nursing. My journey with vascular dementia has been a profound and challenging one, marked by both loss and learning. It’s a journey that began when my dad was diagnosed with this relentless illness, and it continues today as I care for my mum, who received her own diagnosis six months ago. In sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the impact of vascular dementia and inspire others who are walking a similar path. If you are unfamiliar with the condition, you can read a quick summary here on the NHS website.


Vascular dementia isn’t just a medical condition; it’s a life-altering experience for both the individuals diagnosed and their caregivers. Last year, I witnessed the gradual decline of my father as vascular dementia tightened its grip on his mind. The journey was heart-wrenching, yet it was also transformative. I became not only a caregiver but an advocate for understanding and empathy in the face of this formidable adversary.


To better comprehend this illness and support my parents, I immersed myself in a sea of information. I devoured books, watched documentaries, and listened to interviews featuring renowned experts and caregivers. I scoured the internet for every piece of knowledge that could help me grasp the intricacies of vascular dementia. But it wasn’t just about gathering information; it was about understanding the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of the disease.


The journey of caring for my mum now, as her main caregiver, brings its own set of challenges and lessons. Each day is an opportunity to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to provide the best care and support for her. It’s also a chance to offer solace and understanding as she grapples with the changes in her life. My aim is to be not only her caregiver but also her advocate and a source of unwavering love and empathy.


Through my experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of open dialogue and support for families facing vascular dementia. It’s a condition that affects not just the diagnosed individual but the entire family unit. My hope is to connect with others who are on a similar journey, to share our stories, our challenges, and our triumphs. By doing so, we can offer each other comfort, strength, and the knowledge that we are not alone.


In the face of adversity, we can find resilience. My journey with vascular dementia has shown me the power of compassion, education, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. I am committed to continuing this journey, learning more each day, and extending a hand of support to those who walk beside me.

Together, we can navigate the complexities of vascular dementia, one step at a time, and ensure that our loved ones are never alone on this challenging path.

Resources and Organisation’s I’ve Found Helpful

When a family member is affected by dementia, you really can’t do enough reading around the subject, and the specific condition. I’ve found Dementia UK to be an incredibly useful resource when it comes to learning about the condition, and The Alzheimer’s Society can’t be beaten when it comes to practical advice and assistance. Age UK also has some good resources available – and if you’re looking to give to a dementia/Alzheimer’s charity, you can find a list of UK-based organisations by clicking here.

What We Do At Medilink Nursing

At Medilink Nursing, we do what we can to aid the cause. We supply nurses and carers to cover shifts at Residential Homes across England, often in last-minute situations, where emergency cover is required to maintain appropriate levels of care. Needless to say, many of the residents our staff care for suffer with dementia, and our staff are a relief to them and their Homes. We also make sure that our staff receive specialist dementia training, provided in-house by us.

If you’d like to make use of our training courses for your own staff, we’d be happy to arrange access – feel free to get in touch with our contact team to ask for more details, and we’ll take it from there.