Phil Angrave

Former nurse, living with young onset dementia

With 40 years’ experience of nursing in a variety of clinical and academic settings, Phil Angrave was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies at the age of 58.  Phil was fortunate to be able to keep working by the support of his ‘enlightened’ manager and independent occupational health consultant, before retiring in October 2023. 

Since then, he has been a passionate advocate for people living with dementia, particularly those who wish to remain in employment. He wants to alter employers’ perception of dementia in the workplace; and to challenge the established processes associated with diagnosis and support for those who live and work with a diagnosis of dementia below the age of 67. 

Phil is a member of the Young Dementia Network steering group and the Research and evidence workstream. He is also a member of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Dementia Programme Board and was appointed to the Alzheimer’s Europe Working Group of People with Dementia in June 2025.

Phil says, “I am passionate about improving dementia care and support, both for those of us living with the illness and those who help support us. I am determined that while I am able, my dementia, or as I refer to it ‘the bugger’, will not define me.”