Where Memories Go cover art

Where Memories Go

Why Dementia Changes Everything

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Where Memories Go

By: Sally Magnusson
Narrated by: Sally Magnusson
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About this listen

This book began as an attempt to hold on to my witty, storytelling mother with the one thing I had to hand. Words. Then, as the enormity of the social crisis my family was part of began to dawn, I wrote with the thought that other forgotten lives might be nudged into the light along with hers.

Dementia is one of the greatest social, medical, economic, scientific, philosophical, and moral challenges of our times. I am a reporter. It became the biggest story of my life. (Sally Magnusson)

Regarded as one of the finest journalists of her generation, Mamie Baird Magnusson's whole life was a celebration of words - words that she fought to retain in the grip of a disease which is fast becoming the scourge of the 21st century. Married to writer and broadcaster Magnus Magnusson, they had five children of whom Sally is the eldest.

As well as chronicling the anguish, the frustrations and the unexpected laughs and joys that she and her sisters experienced while accompanying their beloved mother on the long dementia road for eight years until her death in 2012, Sally Magnusson seeks understanding from a range of experts and asks penetrating questions about how we treat older people; how we can face one of the greatest social, medical, economic, and moral challenges of our times; and what it means to be human.

An extraordinary and deeply personal memoir, a manifesto and a call to arms, in one searingly beautiful narrative.

©2014 Sally Magnusson (P)2014 John Murray Press
Alzheimer's & Dementia Brain & Nervous System Journalists, Editors & Publishers Medical Medicine & Health Care Industry Policy & Administration Dementia Heartfelt Inspiring Witty Thought-Provoking Alzheimer's Disease
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Critic reviews

"Touching... There are many moments of heartwarming sentiment. Literary snowdrops grow out of the barren earth.... This book is the constant, tenuous, but vital reconnection between a child and its mother.... A fine book." ( The Sunday Times)

What listeners say about Where Memories Go

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Sensitive and thought provoking

Fascinating insight written so honestly. Couldn't stop listening, compelling insights and at times scarily honest facts about the lack of care in dementia services. Amazing family, amazing work.

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Heart warming and breaking

This was a wonderfully entertaining and yet heart breaking story of Mamie Magnusson's struggle with dementia. It is beautifully written and read and has inspired me in so many ways. It is well worth listening to

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Interesting

It was interesting and I enjoyed listening to it. i have enjoyed other of her books

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Moving Interesting Terrifying

What made the experience of listening to Where Memories Go the most enjoyable?

It was not enjoyable but it was interesting.
The book tells the story of a loved mother's gradual decline into dementia over 8 years. She has 4 children, a sister and grown grandchildren to look after her at home. They are wonderful but they found it exhausting and stressful as they tried to share her care. The change to her personality is distressing especially the anger that develops toward her twin sister. Eventually she fails to recognise her children and grandchildren.


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I found the whole thing terrifying. The lack of care and understanding by nurses and doctors, the lack of good home care workers, the standard of care in some care homes. Scary. It made me want to make sure it never happens to me or my loved ones. To be honest it made me feel depressed. Maybe because I am nearly 70.

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A beautiful narrative

A really personal and touching account of the journey with someone you love through Alzheimer’s disease. You felt privileged to walk with the Magnussen family who showed such love, compassion and care for their much loved Mum. A really honest narrative and reflection on what science currently knows about this devastating disease. Thank you for sharing it with us. I would recommend this book to anyone.

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Totally lovely thought provoking listen.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. Such a touching tale of love, laughter and typical family hardships. I feel I know the family and it’s certainly made me think of my own family values and the important things in life

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a tragic account of a loved one crumbling

My mother is also on this journey and I found this tale all too familiar. So much so, I could not finish the book. If you have no experience of dementia this will show you how it progresses with all the dead ends and wishful thinking involved. If you are at the start of a similar journey it will hopefully help you navigate.

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Beautiful

its a story that many of us have had, or will go through. the ups and downs, the unlikely funny moments and the very sad, touching times . I can relate to the story as my mother has same disease, such a horrible disease.
We are all human and some days we cope better than others, some days its all too much, but deep down the love we have will carry us through .x

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Amazingly humbling to be a part of Sallys journey.

Heartbreaking, yet honest. A huge support to anyone caring for a loved one. Highly Recommend.

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An excellent read/ listen

A very moving and real account - very insightful and helpful and Sally is a very engaging speaker it’s incredibly powerful

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