Approximately 5-8 percent of people over the age 60 in the United States are diagnosed with dementia. Dementia can impact the patient’s entire family in many different ways. Anne McKeown was formally diagnosed with dementia in her 70’s. McKeown, who is now 87, lives with two daughters and one son in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. While her functional abilities have diminished, she still enjoys travel, music, games, coloring, and spending time with family.

Photography 2 student Lois Magner traveled home to Pennsylvania to help take care of her mother. Magner documented a brief glimpse into McKeown’s daily life which, according to her family caregivers, should not be defined solely by her diagnosis.

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Lois Magner

Anne McKeown rests her head in her hands, taking a break. “I see her daily frustration,” says Jean Fields, McKeown’s daughter and caregiver. “I feel like there’s so many thoughts in her head and she just can’t get them out.”