How my mother became my child: It’s the challenge every adult fears… having to care for a parent with dementia

By Marianne Talbot
Last updated at 11:22 PM on 25th March 2011

When her mother Lesley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003, Marianne Talbot, then 47, agreed to become her main carer, giving up her independent life, while continuing to teach philosophy at Oxford University. This is the deeply moving story of their laughter and their pain . . . and the terrible dilemmas that more and more families have to confront in our ageing society.

Role reversal: Marianne Talbot as a baby with her mother, Lesley

Winter 2006

Of all our little rituals, getting Mum up in the morning is the one I enjoy most. I go into her room at about 8.40am, draw the curtains and sing: ‘Wakey, wakey, rise and shine!’ Mum mutters something and pulls the duvet closer. I lean over, kiss her and say: ‘Ten minutes, then I’m going to tip you out.’