'Memory book' to aid dementia battle

THE lives of families living with a dementia sufferer could soon be made easier through the introduction of a "memory book".

Residents from across Edinburgh are being encouraged to get involved in a project which begins this month, allowing them to take their relatives back to a time in their life they can best remember.

A Caring Memories book is created by family, friends or carers – working with the person with the memory loss – using pictures and stories which they provide.

It can then be used as a conversational tool, giving both carer and sufferer common ground in which to talk about.

The books are made online and are then professionally printed and delivered to the owner.

Caring Memories is the brainchild of Edinburgh-based Chris Wilkins, who has worked extensively with dementia experts over the last two years to ensure the books best suit people's needs.

Sessions to create one begin on January 20 at Vision for Leith, at the South Leith Parish Church Halls on Henderson Street, where full instructions, including how to use the computer package for the book, will be given.

The first 1000 customers of a Caring Memories book will be given them free of charge.