Alzheimer's patient raises awareness through writing

Michael Booth, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at 46, has published a self-help guide and a novel and is using his lived experience to inform local NHS services.

Michael Booth of Hartlepool is using his experience of early-onset Alzheimer's to raise awareness through writing. He was diagnosed six years ago at age 46, shortly after his mother Christine died from the same condition. He has published an information leaflet and a self-help guide for patients and carers, and has completed a novel set in Hartlepool that features a character living with dementia. Booth has also contributed to dementia pathway work at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Key details: - Michael Booth was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's six years ago at age 46 and lost his mother Christine to the same disease months earlier. - He published a self-help guide for patients and carers two years ago and has produced an information leaflet about dementia. - He completed a Hartlepool-based murder mystery titled Forget Me Not: The Letter in the Headboard, which features a character living with dementia. - He has contributed to dementia pathway work at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and is working on a new dementia awareness project. Summary: Booth's writing and NHS contributions are presented as ways to challenge misinformation and show that people living with dementia can continue creative work. His novel was due for publication in late April, and he is continuing work on an awareness project and on dementia pathway contributions.