Altrincham resident revisits her teaching career to deliver dementia lecture

A former university lecturer from Altrincham rolled back the years to provide students with a talk on dementia – after living with the condition for 19 years.  

Dr Ann Johnson MBE, a resident at Care UK’s Halecroft Grange on Hale Road, returned to the University of Manchester to support  Dr Catherine Lawrence, a senior lecturer of neuroscience. 

The students learned how memories are lost as well as useful tips on how to overcome communication barriers and on positive approaches for those living with the condition. 

Ann used to work as a nursing sister at Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital before sharing her passion for education and knowledge by tutoring nurses at the university.  

Diagnosed with dementia at 52, Ann, now 71, continues to be an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society. In 2012, her efforts in dementia research saw her awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton. She then went on to gain an MBE a year later for educating about Alzheimer’s and services to health care. 

Ann said: “Don't be scared of the word ‘dementia’ – it’s just a word, don’t be scared of me.

“Yes, I have bad days. Yes, I’ve seen myself disappearing over the last few years. But worrying is pointless; there is life after diagnosis and I have my faith to help me.”

Suzi Sumegi, General Manager at Halecroft Grange, said: “It was wonderful to see Ann return to the lecture hall at the University of Manchester to share her experience of living with dementia. The students were so engaged by her knowledge alongside her independence and determination to raise awareness of the condition.

“We are so proud of the work Ann is doing to break down the stigma around dementia. Here at Halecroft Grange, we also understand the challenges that people living with dementia and their loved ones face and are committed to providing both physical and emotional support to those impacted.

“We want to thank the University of Manchester and Dr Catherine Lawrence for allowing Ann to share her story and knowledge, and we hope Ann will be back again soon.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Halecroft Grange incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.