Real stories

Spotlight: Manish Shah, our outgoing Vice Chair

Why dementia, why the Society?

When my mum, Jaya, first got diagnosed with dementia, we felt vulnerable and alone. After getting a limited amount of help or insight from anybody, I contacted the Alzheimer’s Society. 

It helped us significantly, especially my father who was looking after my mum at that time.

My mum survived for almost 15 years from diagnosis, and I really attribute that to the early help that we got from the Society.

It occurred to me that I should do something to give back.

How to fill an unexpected day off?

A nice walk in nature. I’ve been fairly busy with work, the Society, and lots of other things in my life.

I’m based in Hertfordshire so I’d probably go for a long walk around the Chiltern Hills and then go for a nice, hearty lunch afterwards.

Proudest achievement?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I grew up in Kenya until I was 15. A lot of the stuff that we did was outside – hiking, trekking and going on expeditions as part of the equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Sadly, when I left Kenya, I was completing my gold award and the only thing which got left behind was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya. 

I felt that I did want to complete it at some stage. It was a challenging, challenging climb – especially with the altitude.

Even now when I think about some tough moments in my life, I think about how I can push through them.

Worst advice you’ve been given?

I’m not sure I can remember the worst advice, but the best advice came from my father and also emanated from my grandmother, which was around making every moment count.

It’s making sure that whatever I do, it’s done with passion, commitment and purpose. That’s part of the reason why I’m here at the Society.

Biggest priority for coming months?

These are the final few months of my tenure at the Society and the appointment of the new Chair is my biggest priority.

Selection of the Chair is very important to continue the good work that has been done so far, and to reach even more people.

Most important thing learned from a person with dementia?

The single most important thing is patience and giving people time. I’ve learned this from my mum and from other people that I’ve met. 

We live in a fast-moving society, and we are forever impatient when trying to get answers.

But I think giving people time, space and the comfort that actually you are there listening is really important.

If you ask them a question, if they don’t give you something immediately, you can ask them in five minutes in a different way.

Most looking forward to?

With COVID and all the challenges that we’ve had over the last few years, I’m looking forward to travelling. We are thinking about going to Indonesia in the summer, so at the moment I’m planning what we do.