The World Turned Upside Down: Using theatre to take a realistic look at dementia

This is a film about a theatre production, The World Turned Upside Down, that takes a realistic look at dementia: what it can be like to live with dementia or care for a person with dementia.

The idea for The World Turned Upside Down arose from discussions between Director Paul Jepson and Professor Linda Clare, who leads the IDEAL research programme, about using theatre to share the findings of research in a way that could make a difference to people’s lives, and about how to realistically portray what it is like to live with dementia.

We chose the theme of communication. Our aim was to explore where communication can go wrong and draw on audience insights to find ways of communicating that work better for everyone involved.

Please share this film widely and feel free to use it in your own lives, and practice.

[DeborahSnyder-gg]

Excellent display of the reality in the life and journey of dementia.

[carolinehill]

This was so interesting to watch. I care for Mum&Dad who both have dementia. They didn't understand their diagnosis. They are just forgetful. It is a horrendous journey. Caring for them 24/7. I am losing them. They are slowly turning into helpless children. Being the carer is not my choice, but I do it through my love for them. They cared for me once, and have given me so much. I am exasperated most of the time. I try every morning to start off on a good foot...
Thank you for this study and the various scenarios played out. A tiny glimpse into daily life as a carer and patient. I hope you go on to make more like these. Thank you.

[gilliancree-ogef]

It was a total privilege to take part in this project.

[tamsings]

This was incredible. The use of verbatim theatre and forum theatre together to capture these moments of living with dementia created such a powerful piece. I've just started working with people affected by dementia, and this was really valuable to watch. I love seeing how applied theatre can be used in these kind of situations.

[catherinesweetman]

<3 I lived through it as a carer - I think for perhaps 10 years or so. End stage dementia was when we achieved diagnoses. And the only way we achieved a situation of diagnoses, is because I found an Alzheimer's Society research paper and pushed for it, because I knew diagnoses would potentially support my aunt through her most difficult end stage symptoms. Now, dementia support services (commissioning) is a field within which I work. There is so much which can be done to support people - but in this instance, "Knowledge is Power - and does make the difference we seek".

[andreeaapostol]

Well done to the team, this film overed very good insight into the journey of Dementia.

[cardibeeezroblox]

Loved this I have learnt a lot about dementia that I didn’t know I will take this back to my work asa carer xand I thank you all x

[tracysmith]

what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimers I liked the play the scene with the car key's was good my mother in law just found out has Alzheimers im sure i will be the one going around every day his brother lives closer which really winds me up as he works 6 days a week very good to see how communication can work i will find it hard as she really does not like me one bit. mothers and son, s no doubt at least i know why i do not drive because i have a condition which i could black out driving so i sent my driving licence in years ago just to be on the safe side like a fit hypo attack never had any only one mild one before i knew what condition i had and it was misdiagnosed with RA life is odd all i can say