About
Hi! My name is Bill Alexander and 75 years old, retired 8 years ago and live in the central belt of Scotland near Stirling which is about 35 miles away from Edinburgh. I think the area’s most recent claim to fame, judging by the number of tourists, is the giant Kelpies sculpture near the edge of the river Forth.
My wife, Christine was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2019 following two years of tests to confirm what we already knew. Christine left her job but remained positive about what she could still do with her life. She became a member of Scottish Dementia Working Group and enjoyed the company and was a positive example of how people could live with dementia. We enjoyed some wonderful holidays over the last few years until she died just before Christmas in 2024.
I joined National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN) two years ago and have contributed a “lived experience” to many policy documents produced by Alzheimer Scotland. I also actively contribute to local activities for people living with dementia where the smallest things can make a big difference to people’s lives.
My career in IT lasted about 50 years having started in 1966. I worked both in the public and private sectors and had various roles as part of consultancy firms. What are my hopes? To influence how we can make life with dementia better, influence policy makers, and ultimately find a cure.
I am looking to joining EDCWG and will bring my experience to add to that of other more experienced members of the group.