My grandmother has dementia; an incurable and unforgiving disease that breaks down brain function and relentlessly attacks the memory. The only medication I can offer to ease upset and combat frustration is my love and support along with my ability as a photographer to stimulate the mind.

I set off on a collaborative journey and process of aiding her memory by spending time with her in her new home, close by to my parent’s house. During this time I introduced her to the camera and began questioning how its presence and mine could have a positive impact on her mental health. Through research into the medical and psychological explanations of dementia I quickly learnt that the art of image making through photography can be seen as an unconventional remedy to mental illness that has great therapeutic potential.

The outcome of this journey is two inextricably linked books. The first takes the form of an art book , documenting my observations and our time together. We began by looking at the faded memories of forgotten photographs, which conjured for us both the landscape of our lives. From here we set out to explore fresh memories and new photographs. I did this through collaboration; myself, her granddaughter as a companion, and a mentor, and Gan Gan as the pupil and reflective subject on which the form of the photographic art book takes. The second book is a memory aide, full of photographs and descriptions of her family, home and surroundings. An easy reference guide for her to use day to day.

The journey saw many battles. I fought with false memories that she so easily assimilates from external influences, and was challenged by her inability to grasp concepts of time, and was frustrated by her loss of sentiment. The main struggle perhaps is the constant change in her character, a new alter ego of anger and depression and new traits of compulsive obsessiveness, and now, more painfully, the reversal of roles; my mother now acting as her mother.