Chris Norris

About Chris

Chris Norris at the age of 58 was diagnosed with Fronto-temporal Dementia (FTD). Due to his diagnosis he was no longer able to work as a driving examiner as he struggled to remember his routes.

Chris shares his journey with dementia and how he has created coping strategies for the things that he is no longer able to do. “Dementia comes in CANS. You have to focus on what you CAN do”. Chris says.

His favourite quote is from Winston Churchill, “Never, Never, Never give up!”

Life does not stop with a diagnosis, you are still you! Live for today and live the best way that you can.

Chris Norris

8 Pillars of Wellbeing

Relish Wellbeing

Stay Active

Time Together

Celebrate Achievement

Stay Independent

Find Calm

Embrace Identity

Keep Learning

Bring Joy

Stay Active

It is important to notice what you are still able to do, you can do those things for as long as there are safety mechanisms in place.

Chris Norris

Read more "Stay Active" tips

Time Together

Listening and thinking about your response will be essential for keeping your relationships strong as dementia progresses. The filter starts to disappear so thinking about your response is important.

Chris Norris

Read more "Time Together" tips

Celebrate Achievement

Developing daily purpose, no matter how small, builds a sense of value – in life, to others and your environment. Mini-successes, new memories, self-pride and sense of importance all add to your place in the world.

Read more "Celebrate Achievement" tips

Stay Independent

Working alongside someone will help you to keep your independence, try not to resist help.

Chris Norris

Read more "Stay Independent" tips

Find Calm

Music is a great form of relaxation and try to keep your hobbies going after diagnosis.

Chris Norris

Read more "Find Calm" tips

Embrace Identity

Everyone has a story to tell about their life and history. It’s what makes us special and unique. Putting focus on yourself as an individual and who you are builds a fulfilling sense of identity.

Read more "Embrace Identity" tips

Keep Learning

Keep taking part in new experiences, it is possible!

Chris Norris

Read more "Keep Learning" tips

Bring Joy

Living for today and getting all your affairs in order such as your power of attorney etc can really help you to focus on the present.

Chris Norris

Read more "Bring Joy" tips