Introduction: A Portrait of Dementia
A woman sits by the window, light catching her face as she clutches a faded photograph, her fingers tracing the outlines of faces she no longer remembers. A son gently rests his hand on his father’s shoulder, sharing a moment of connection despite the silence between them. A caregiver kneels beside an elderly man, his smile uncertain yet full of warmth as she speaks to him.
Dementia is more than a medical condition—it is an experience that reshapes lives, relationships, and identities. Yet, behind the diagnosis, there are people—people who live, love, remember, and forget, often in ways that are unexpected, profound, and deeply moving.
“Moments That Remain” is a photographic and storytelling project that captures the reality of dementia through the faces and stories of those who live with it, those who have lived with it, and the family, friends, and carers who walk alongside them. Through intimate portraits and personal narratives, the project will preserve and share the moments that dementia cannot erase—the relationships, emotions, and connections that endure even as memories fade.
Each portrait will be a window into a personal journey, accompanied by a written reflection that brings their voice to life. Some stories will be shared by those with dementia themselves, others by the families and carers who know them best. Together, these images and words will provide a powerful, human perspective on dementia—its challenges, its heartbreaks, and the unexpected beauty found in the moments that remain.
The Purpose of the Project
Dementia is often spoken about in statistics, but numbers alone cannot capture the depth of its impact.
- 14,600+ people in Hertfordshire are currently living with dementia—a number expected to grow to nearly 22,000 by 2030.
- 900+ individuals in the county are affected by young-onset dementia, diagnosed before the age of 65.
- 69% of care home residents live with dementia, yet many remain isolated, their stories unheard.
- Families and carers bear the emotional and physical toll, often navigating the journey alone.
Through powerful visual storytelling, Moments That Remain will:
- Raise awareness of the personal realities of dementia beyond medical definitions.
- Challenge misconceptions by presenting deeply personal, authentic experiences.
- Inspire action—whether through policy, support networks, or simple human connection.
- Create a platform where those affected can share their experiences in a way that preserves dignity and truth.
Bringing the Stories to Life
The project will be built around portrait photography and storytelling, ensuring that each individual’s experience is represented in a way that is both intimate and powerful.
1. Photographic Portraits
The images will feature:
- People currently living with dementia—capturing moments of clarity, joy, confusion, or reflection.
- Family members and friends—sharing their love, loss, and resilience as they support those affected.
- Carers and healthcare workers—offering a perspective on the dedication and emotional labour behind dementia care.
Each portrait will be taken in a meaningful setting—a favourite chair, a garden, a family home, a care facility—to provide context and connection to their story.
2. Personal Narratives & Written Reflections
Every image will be paired with a story, told through the words of the individual or their loved ones. These stories may take many forms:
- First-person reflections from individuals living with dementia, offering rare and valuable insight.
- Memories shared by family and friends, recalling moments before and after diagnosis.
- Letters and journal entries—preserving the thoughts of those experiencing dementia in their own words.
The stories will be deeply personal, capturing not just the struggles but also the love, humour, and small victories that shape each journey.
Exhibition and Outreach
The final body of work will be displayed in carefully curated spaces, designed to foster deep reflection and conversation.
Physical Exhibition Spaces:
- Hertfordshire Libraries & Community Centres – Making the project accessible to all.
- The Museum of St Albans – Offering a cultural and historical perspective.
- Hospitals & Dementia Care Homes – Bringing the stories directly to those living with dementia.
- Art Galleries & Public Spaces – Engaging wider audiences and sparking discussion.
Digital & Interactive Exhibition:
- A dedicated online platform featuring photography and written stories.
- Social media campaign to share snippets of the project and encourage engagement.
The Impact: Changing Perceptions, Building Connection
This project is not just about documenting dementia—it is about transforming the way we see and respond to it.
- Encouraging Understanding – Creating a more dementia-friendly community.
- Supporting Families & Carers – Offering a platform for shared experiences.
- Challenging Stigma – Showing that people with dementia are still here, still human, still valued.
- Preserving Memories – Capturing voices and faces before they are lost to time.
The stories told through Moments That Remain will linger, not just in images, but in hearts and minds—long after the exhibition ends.
Call to Action: Be Part of the Story
We invite you to step into their world. Whether you are living with dementia, caring for a loved one, or simply seeking to understand more, your involvement matters.
How You Can Help:
- Share Your Story – If dementia has touched your life, we’d love to hear from you.
- Support the Project – Help fund exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and outreach programs.
- Visit the Exhibition – Engage, listen, and reflect.
- Spread the Word – Raise awareness in your community and online.
Each moment in dementia is a story. Each person deserves to be seen. Through Moments That Remain, we will ensure that these journeys are not forgotten.
Join us. Listen. Learn. Remember.
