Ian steps up in 200k Alzheimer's challenge for mum

Dr Ian Elliott has so far raised around Â£1700 from taking part in Alzheimers Research UKs Running Down Dementia challenge

Dr Ian Elliott, a senior lecturer in business and public services at Queen Margaret University, has so far raised around £1700 from taking part in Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Running Down Dementia challenge.

The 39-year-old was inspired by his mum, Mary, to sign up for the campaign, which challenges people to run or walk 100km before the end of August and raise £100. She ran a post office in Northern Ireland for around 40 years but is now living in a care home having had Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia, for around a decade.

The father-of-two, who lives in Balerno, said: “My mum was always very hard-working and independent and after 50 years of working life she now doesn’t have the retirement she deserves.

“Dementia has really limited her independence.

“Her father also had Alzheimer’s, so it was something she was conscious of. But when she started getting symptoms she was very much in denial. She refused to see a doctor or seek any help.

“She didn’t get diagnosed until it was really quite progressed. It was only around four years ago when she was hospitalised with a bad infection and it was clear she needed full-time care, that she was officially diagnosed, but she probably had symptoms for ten years.

“At first it was just mood changes that were obvious, she didn’t seem like her usual self. She started withdrawing into herself, retreating a bit and not doing things she used to do. For example, she was very house proud and always cleaned the house every night, but she suddenly stopped doing it.

“She didn’t want to, but she had to give up work. She was really committed to serving the community and loved running the post office, talking to people and helping them. It was a huge part of her life.

“Her Alzheimer’s is quite far progressed now, but there are still the occasional moments of lucidity and times when she still laughs, which is lovely. She can’t talk very much, but she will try to say words and she can still communicate through laughter.”

After being bouyed by the amount he has raised, Ian decided to double his distance target to 200km.

He said: “The whole family have been great at visiting my mum and looking after her, but I live in Scotland so don’t get to see her so much. Doing the Running Down Dementia challenge is one way I feel that I can make a difference.”

Kenneth Foreman, Senior Sporting Events Manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Ian’s story shows the devastating effect the condition can have on a family. The vital funds raised will power world-class dementia research projects.”

For more, visit: www.runningdowndementia.org/register