By FiFig

I had planned to remote control my way past the above programme last night but with one look I was hooked and moved both at the same time.

It was about Chris, a 55 year old man diagnosed with vascular dementia and early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 50. Chris lives with his wife Jayne of 21 years and some of their grown up children.

The programme follows Chris through his daily challenge of this cruel disease. With the couple's permission, cameras have been set up within the home. Chris would often give a snapshot of his day through a handheld recorder as would other members of the family.

Chris would find difficulty to concentrate and process conversations if too many people were talking around him at the same time. He struggled over a decision to have chicken soup or chicken and mushroom soup. He even said off camera, his choice would usually be the last thing offered.

He appeared to enjoy the respite time he has when he goes to a Home where peace and quiet seem to be an easier environment for him to be in. Sitting in a light room alone with his thoughts. This also gave Jayne time to catch up with things without her immediate concern for Chris. Neither saw respite as a full-time option however.

Clearly he has the love of Jayne and his family. His daughter Sadie finds it sad when she comes back from Uni and her father's memory may have deteriorated that bit more.

His other daughter Katie had her 18th birthday when this programme was being made and it was heartening to see the celebrations with Chris firmly in the heart of his family.

Chris suffered a mini stroke shortly after the family had attended a wedding but he had made a good recovery and was back home again.

This cruel disease seems to be all around us lately thanks to the daily newspapers, , TV, radio programmes and soaps, but it has taken a one-hour 'snap-shot' of a family's daily fight to help keep someone they love so very much, involved and cared for, a very powerful and humbling programme. I hope Chris, Jayne and the family know that in making this programme, they have given us an insight into how this disease affects the whole family.

Please catch it on BBCIplayer and give it the respect it deserves. (BBC1 Thursday 2 June 2016 8pm-9pm)