A former Queen of the South star has spoken movingly about living with dementia as part of a campaign to increase understanding of the condition.
Ex-captain Kevin Hetherington, who was diagnosed three years ago, has been talking about his experiences to support Dementia Awareness Week, which begins on Monday.
The former fans’ favourite is one of around 3,000 people in Scotland to have been diagnosed with the condition before they reach their 65th birthday.
Kevin hopes his story can help change perceptions of dementia, reduce the stigma surrounding it and offer people hope.
A key campaign message is that early diagnosis allows people to receive the treatment and support they need to let them live well with the condition.
“There will be loads of people that have the same symptoms as I had thinking: ‘It’s nothing – I’m too young,’ says Kevin. “But go and get it checked – you’ve got to.
“I think dementia is harder to take when you are younger. The perception of most people, and especially medical people, is not believing someone could have dementia at my age.
“The more people that are aware of dementia, the better. You can’t help somebody unless they come out and tell you. Being involved in this campaign means a lot. If I can help one person, then I’ve helped a family.”
Kevin, 59, has worked full-time all his life, having played part-time with Queens, Ayr United and Annan Athletic.
He has been with his wife, Fiona, for almost 43 years. The couple have two children, both married, and three grandchildren, the youngest of whom is seven-months-old.
“I think Fiona would have described me as calm up until the past three years. I’ve always been there for her, through thick and thin, and now its role reversal,” says Kevin.
“I’d say my friends found it difficult at first. They kept phoning up and saying: ‘Why are you not coming out?’ But I couldn’t face them. I used to speak at functions and funerals – I can’t do it now. It’s had a major impact on me.”
The needs of people facing dementia younger in life bring in different challenges, says Alzheimer Scotland chief executive Henry Simmons.
“Younger people are more likely to be in work, have family responsibilities or be facing financial commitments,” said Mr Simmons.
“The emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis can be huge, particularly at a younger age, a timely diagnosis means that people can start coming to terms with the illness, learn how to cope and begin to make decisions and plan for their future. With the right help and support we know people can live well with dementia, that is why we are doing all that we can to ensure that high quality post diagnostic support is provided for every person throughout Scotland with no exceptions.”
He said: “We want people to lend their support to our campaigns and to develop a better understanding of dementia and the small things you can do to help people around you. This helps Alzheimer Scotland to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”
