TV show proves life does not end when dementia begins

Ken Oxley is Media Officer for the Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria

Contact: Name: Ken Oxley 0191 2983989 / 07483 926575 
ken.oxley@alzheimers.org.uk

The first episode of a remarkable four-part TV series was broadcast this week, and if you didn’t see it I highly recommend you watch it on catch up.

Alzheimer’s Society worked closely with Channel 4 to make The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes possible.

The ground-breaking series follows the fortunes of a restaurant staffed by 14 people with early onset dementia.

What it demonstrates is something we have been saying for a very long time – that life does not end when dementia begins.

People living with dementia can, and do, lead productive, meaningful lives. It is entirely wrong for society to write them off.

Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton leads the willing but occasionally forgetful team as they cater for guests, including celebrities David Baddiel and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville.

Things do go wrong, as you might expect given the show’s title. But this is an ultimately uplifting series proving that, with the right support and some small adjustments, many people with dementia can continue to be valued members of society and live the lives they choose. 

Our hope is that the show will open the eyes of employers, and society at large. Indeed, initiatives such as this are part of a bigger picture, reflected in our vision of a country-wide network of dementia-friendly communities.

Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough for example, which is backed by the town’s Mayor David Budd, is making great progress and shows what can be achieved if businesses, organisations and individuals alike buy into the concept of dementia friendly communities.

We’ve a long way to go, but TV shows such as this are helping us get there. The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes continues on Channel 4 at 9pm over the next three Wednesdays.

For information about our services call 01642 442030 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk