Beautiful Photo Series Shows What It's Like to Love Someone with Dementia

Mark wanted to take something positive from the situation and "use it to help raise awareness of what dementia does to a person and their family."   

Five years ago, Mark's father was diagnosed with dementia. "Looking back, some of the early signs we just laughed off as Dad being his usual cheeky, funny self - not aware that these were clues as to how things would develop," he said.  

"Ronnie was a real character and even as the dementia stole many aspects of the man we knew and loved, people would still comment on the twinkle in his eye," Mark said.  

"Dad was aware of the challenges of the illness, having watched his mum go through the same thing. He had the passion of a fighter and read voraciously looking for ways to delay its effects; eating well, exercising and keeping his brain as active as possible." 

These photographs show Ronnie at home, in hospital and in the aged care home. Mark says "it celebrates his life as much as it recognises the pain and heartache. It's a thank you to my mum for her strength and love and to the doctor and carers whose support we are so grateful for." 

Ronnie passed away earlier this year, aged 82. Mark hopes these images of his father will help to raise awareness of the gravity of the disease.

See some of the photos below: 

Ronnie in 2008 before his diagnosis.

Ronnie in May 2011 (the year he was diagnosed) outside his home in the UK.

Ronnie at home in 2012 as dementia began to take hold.

Ronnie and his wife Winnie in 2012.

June 2014.

May 2014: Ronnie plays his harmonica at Oak House - an aged care home in the UK.

July 2014.

November 2013.

Winnie helps Ronnie shave in July 2014.

Ronnie is shown a photo of his beloved Vincent Black Shadow motorbike and despite not knowing the names of his family members, could name every part of the bike in December 2014.

February 2014.

A birthday card Ronnie wrote for Winnie in February 2014.

Ronnie in February 2015 - a month before be passed away.