Early stages — making the most of now

• Record their voice — telling a story, singing a song, reading a poem
• Film a normal afternoon — kitchen, garden, watching TV
• Write down their stories — childhood, courtship, working life
• Make a list of their favourite songs, foods, films
• Look at old photos together while they can name everyone

This isn’t morbid. It’s love made tangible. You and the rest of your family will return to these things for the rest of your lives.

The trip you’ve been postponing. The garden you’ve been talking about. The reunion with their oldest friend. The early stages are often the right time to do them — while travel, planning and conversation are still possible.

Routines, reminders, calendars and labelled cupboards genuinely help. So do social contact, light physical activity, and a balanced diet. None of these stop dementia — but they help the person stay themselves for longer.

Dementia Australia runs peer groups for people newly diagnosed and for their families. Being in a room with other people on the same path is one of the most powerful things there is.