​​Dispelling the myth that people with dementia can’t, when actually they can, In the palm of a spider’s hand paves the way to redress the common one-dimensional portrayal of the dementia experience. Filled with verses which are raw, poignant and alive with the full spectrum of human emotion, this powerful debut from Gerald King offers a rare glimpse into the truth of the dementia journey in all of its highs and lows. A pivotal part of our work to rewrite the story of dementia, In the palm of a spider’s hand does so by centring lived experience and sharing this outside of the direct dementia community by way of a collection that not only enriches the literary canon, but also challenges it.

Having spent his working life as an Architectural Technologist at Fife Council, at the age of 55 Gerry was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. Presented with a bleak future, Gerry is fiercely open about the realities of diagnosis and the desperate need for a truer narrative than that perpetuated by mainstream media. His search for something better led him to peer support group STAND and then on to explore word play to better share his lived experience in collaboration with boom saloon. 

“A lot of what I write down is how I feel and what’s on my mind. There are slightly dark moments and much lighter moments.

Initially, my dementia diagnosis had a devastating impact not just on me, but on my family as a whole. Due to the diagnosis I was retired from work, losing over 30 years of friendships. I lost the feeling of self-worth; I felt that I was no longer contributing to society and I lost the main reason for getting out of bed in the morning. I was instructed to surrender my driving license, losing all the freedoms associated with that; money was an issue at the start as our family income had been reduced by at least 50%. But probably the worst impact was how I treated my family.

I was depressed, I wouldn’t leave the house and all my frustrations were taken out emotionally on my wife and children, which I find hard to forgive myself for because they are the ones who love and look after me unconditionally.

Things, however, are totally different now.

I have overcome the initial diagnosis and actually look upon having dementia as a blessing. Since being diagnosed I have met many people – not just here in Scotland but throughout the UK and all around the world – who are also living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia. These are truly inspirational people and are to be admired for the courage and support they share throughout the dementia community.

We have formed peer support groups, we provide dementia awareness presentations in our local community, we provide training courses for people who are newly diagnosed and we also campaign on behalf of people living with a diagnosis of dementia who are not as well-supported as we are.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia was not the end of the world it is often presented as; for me, this could not be further from the truth. It has been a new beginning. It has introduced me to many new friendships and opened up many new doors.

What I would like people to understand and acknowledge is that dementia is not a natural part of aging. Dementia is a long term, terminal disease of the brain and should be recognised as such. Dementia can affect anyone, at any age. However, that being said, a diagnosis of dementia is not the end of the world.

Don’t let dementia define you.

Sure, the end stage is scary, however there is also a beginning and a middle stage – and they can be enlightening. Dementia was a new beginning for me; my old skills are slowly disappearing, however, they are being replaced with new skills. I have a new group of inspirational friends who truly know what it feels like to be living with dementia. There is some tremendous support out there from incredible supporters – although you may have to look for it at times.

I hope this book aids you in the search and provides a little light to your dementia journey. As I said at the start, a lot of what I write down is how I feel and what’s on my mind. There are slightly dark moments and much lighter moments. For me, this is the true depiction of my dementia journey. I look forward to sharing it with you.”