World Alzheimer’s
Month
29.08.25
AS World Alzheimer’s Month
approaches this September, Donegal artist and dementia
advocate Mary Toland has completed a personal painting
inspired by her husband Dermot, affectionately known as
‘Dermie’ to family and friends, who lives with Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and is
now in long-term care.
Mary, who cared for Dermot at home until he entered
full-time care two and a half years ago, painted him
alongside his brother Patsy, both lifelong musicians,
playing music together – a bond that has endured through
the challenges of dementia. The guitar Dermot holds in
the painting is one he made himself, a tribute to his
creativity and past as a skilled wood joiner. |
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Dermot Toland and his wife
Mary. Dermot lives with Frontotemporal Dementia and
Alzheimer’s Disease. |
“I didn’t want to
romanticise dementia,” says Mary. “It’s an isolating and
lonely condition – for the person and the carer. But
music still connects us. Although Dermie’s dementia is
progressing, he is still the person he always was. He’s
engaged and enjoys the music when Patsy visits and plays
for him.”
She adds: “I really hope this encourages others to reach
out to someone they know living with dementia – human
connection and support mean everything.” |
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A portrait of love, music,
and family in the face of dementia. Artist and family
carer Mary Toland depicts her husband Dermot and his
brother Patsy playing music together. |
Mary worked on the
painting over two years, keeping it a surprise for
Patsy, whose visits and music continue to bring joy and
comfort to Dermot. The painting honours Patsy’s role as
an extraordinary support – not only as a brother, but as
someone who brings light and music into Dermot’s world.
Mary says Patsy and the wider family have been a vital
support throughout their journey: “In a way, the
painting is not just a tribute to Patsy’s relationship
with Dermie but also to all of the family members who
support us.”
Mary is a member of the Dementia Carers Campaign
Network, supported by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland,
and advocates for dementia carers across Ireland.
World Alzheimer's Month is an international campaign
held every September to raise awareness and challenge
the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and other
dementias.
For more information on The Alzheimer Society of Ireland
please visit
www.alzheimer.ie . |
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