Bhagwant: At the beginning, I didn't know what this was.
One day, I was driving.
Suddenly I couldn’t remember where I was going.
That day I realised something’s wrong with me.
Really something.
Saskia: If we'd have known sooner, I would have had more time
to spend with her.
I would have known that would have been the last thing
we'd have done together.
The last time she drove me in a car somewhere.
The last time we went on a dog walk together.
The two years of us waiting to get a diagnosis
has been awful, really.
If the diagnosis had come sooner, I would have been more prepared
for what was going to happen with my mum.
Two years ago I didn't know she'd be living in a care home.
I didn't realise how fast it would progress.
I didn't know what power of attorney was.
No one ever explained that to me.
And now we're having real troubles with getting power of attorney,
as she's non-verbal.
Gina: I was shocked and I was upset,
but I was relieved that there was an answer.
Then there is help out there
once you make that commitment and go to the doctor
and get them tests taken.
There are local groups that you can access.
There is an army then of support.
Saskia: From having an earlier diagnosis, an earlier sort of acceptance
of dementia.
You'd be a lot more prepared for what's about to happen.
Bhagwant: If I didn’t have my diagnosis for another 2-4 years,
then maybe I wouldn’t even be able to talk to you today.
Gina: I'm settled. I'm not really worried.
I didn't want it to define me and I wanted to carry on
living a good quality of life.
If you don't get a diagnosis, it’s not going to change.
You have a right to know, that for you is really important.
And you know your body better than anybody.
It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.
Bhagwant: There is benefit to knowing about your diagnosis,
it's not detrimental.
If you found out you have it, there’s no reason to feel upset about it.
Saskia: Don't hide it away.
I think the earlier you start talking about it and getting help, the better.
It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.
♫ I will not leave your side. ♫
Bhagwant: Why should we hide things, reality is reality.
I’m not worried about the little things anyway.
It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.