Letters for Brian: Writing through the silence of dementia

Handsome, clever and ambitious, Brian Johnson embodied the traits of a much-admired professional sportsperson.

A successful rugby league player and coach, life changed when Brian was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 52. His cognitive decline was rapid and when his wife, Karen, could no longer talk with him, she wrote letters until his death, aged just 59.

Letters for Brian provides encouragement for anyone who thinks they would be unable to cope with caring. It is heartfelt truth, showing how easy caring can be - yet how it can also be the hardest thing you'll ever do.

Ultimately, it is a story of love and loyalty.