Paul Richardson answered his country’s call to serve in the Gulf War, but now he has another battle on his hands…coming to terms with dementia

“I WAS in shock when I was given the news, but I have to admit it did not come as a complete surprise,” said Paul.

Having served as a medical reservist during the first Gulf War in 1990, he admits he was in denial when he was first diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s making his life difficult when thinking about his future plans.

He became difficult to convince that it is possible to live well with dementia, as he said: “I had been forgetting things at work and people were starting to notice, so I knew deep down something wasn’t right.”

The 61-year-old, of South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, went on to qualify as an occupational health adviser, ending his career with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in Washington after serving in the Gulf War.

It was colleagues there who made the initial referral to Alzheimer’s Society, which led to Paul’s first meeting with Jude Bentham, his local Alzheimer’s Society and dementia adviser.

She recalled: “At the time Paul was still a valued member of his team at work, so he was struggling to come to terms with his condition.

“He was in a maelstrom. There was so much going on around him that he found it overwhelming, and I don’t think he could see a way forward.”

Paul said that going into the dementia café for the first time was awkward, because everyone was older than him but now he feels he has come a long way with it as he is able to get on with his life.

While Paul’s short-term memory is badly affected by his condition, his recollections of the past, including his time in the Gulf and serving in the 15th/19th Kings Royal Hussars, remains vivid. He keeps his memories alive by carrying around a small book of photographs that reminds him of key events in his life.

He said: “I have some great pictures of my travels, including one of me sitting on a train in the dessert that Lawrence of Arabia blew up.

“Even now I can still recite my army number – forwards and backwards – and I’m proud that when my country came calling, I was not found wanting.”

Paul has shown great courage and is sure to influence many people with his determination. The veteran has become very open about his condition now and doesn’t try to hide it like he used to. He has come to understand and accept it, which doesn’t embarrass him anymore.

With the disease being an uncommon form of dementia affecting just 4 per cent of those with the condition, living alone can be difficult. but Paul says he is not on his own. He has realised that there are people out there like Jude who are there for him and is grateful for the support the Alzheimer’s Society has given him.

The divorced father-of-two, has come a long way and has now come to terms with his condition and what the future holds. Eighteeen months after his diagnosis, has been given a new lease of life after becoming a member of a fundraising group supporting Alzheimer’s Society.

Paul has developed a strong relationship at The Alzheimer’s Society, Chester-le-Street office, as he often drops in when he is passing on his walks.

Jude Bentham said: “In the 18 months since he was referred to us I have seen a physical change in him. He was introspective before because he had not accepted his condition.

“But now there’s a sparkle back in his eye and a spring in his step. He’s very motivated and keen to get involved with the Society in a meaningful way. It’s wonderful to see him coping so well.”

For more information about dementia, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.