Alex O'Brien
Mind

Beautiful photo series captures the pain of dementia

For those of us who have witnessed the pain of dementia first-hand, we know how debilitating it can be and how much sadness is causes for the patient and, of course, their loved ones.

A 28-year-old Scottish photography student, Zaria Sleith, has created this beautiful and sombre photo series to capture her grandfather’s final days in his five-year battle against dementia.

Jimmy, or “Groovy” as he was affectionately known, was Sleith’s chosen subject when given an assignment to create an eighteen-week documentary at university. “At first I didn’t know if it would be too personal to do ... [but] I decided to go for it. It would give me memories of him, for years to come, a different way to remember him by,” she explained to The Huffington Post.

After Groovy sadly passed away this Valentine’s Day, Sleith knew she made the right decision. “I am so glad I captured the images when I did.”

Sleith has released the series in a touching book titled, Please Don’t Forget.

Related links:

Man with Alzheimer’s makes heartbreaking plea for visitors

Eating blueberries could prevent Alzheimer’s

Tips to keep dementia at bay

Tags:
ageing, photography, Dementia