Sally Magnusson writes moving book about her mum

Sally’s mother, Mamie Baird Magnusson, was regarded as one of the finest journalists of her generation.

Married to the late broadcaster Magnus Magnusson, best known as presenter of the BBC’s Mastermind, they had five children and Sally is the eldest.

The book ‘Where Memories Go - Why Dementia Changes Everything’ is Sally’s words to Mamie in exquisite prose, both moving and funny, to try to keep her mum’s spirit alive by talking to her as dementia begins to overwhelm both their lives.

Mamie’s whole life was a celebration of words, which she fought to retain when dementia took hold. She was warm, witty and wise, with a story and a song for every occasion.

Sally said: “This book began as an attempt to hold on to my witty, storytelling mother. As the enormity of the social crisis we were 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 challenges of our times.

“I am a reporter - it became the biggest story of my life.”

‘Where Memories Go - Why Dementia Changes Everything’ tells of the sadness, loneliness and unexpected laughs and joys of caring for a loved one with dementia.