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Why Letters?

Alzheimer's and other dementia can be a lonely, isolating thing. The goal of Letters From the Future is to create a public space where people affected by Alzheimer's in different ways can come together and share their stories. Letters are one of the most vulnerable and intimate forms of stories - tender, emotional messages from one person to another. Together, we hope this can be a collection of more than words, more than letters, but a collection of humanity and all that makes us human. We want to show the impact Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory have on family, love, and identity, in every and any way that you would like to express it.

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Below are three prompt categories. For Everyone is for anyone to write to, regardless of if you have a personal connection to Alzheimer's or not. For Loved Ones and Caregivers are for those who have a family member, relative, friend, or loved one that has Alzheimer's or dementia. Lastly For Those Noticing Changes in Memory is for those that have or may be starting to have Alzheimer's or dementia themselves. Together, we hope Letters From the Future can show you the many facets of Alzheimer's and make you, no matter where or who you are, feel a little less alone.

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Prompts

For Everyone

Recipient: Your future self

Prompt: What is one memory you hope will always stay with you? Why does it matter to who you are today?

Keep in mind:

  • It can be a person, place, feeling, or moment

  • It can be ordinary or life-changing(or something in between)

  • If it helps, describe what you saw, heard, or felt in that moment

  • Please keep it at least 50 words

For Loved Ones and Caregivers

Option A

Recipient: Your past self(for example, 5-10 years ago)

Prompt: Think back to when memory changes were just beginning. What do you wish you had understood then? What would you gently tell your past self now?

Keep in mind:

  • Use this as a space to reflect honestly

  • Name what was hard and what carried you through

  • You can write about things you’re proud of, things you regret, things you survived, what you wish someone would have told you

Option B

Recipient: Your loved one, before their memory began to change

Prompt: What would you say to them, knowing what you know now?

Other suggestions: If you could sit with them one more time, before memory loss began,
what would you want to say? What feels unfinished in your heart? 

Additional prompts:

  • If you could sit with them one more time, before memory loss began, what would you want to say?

  • What feels unfinished in your heart?

  • What do you miss the most?

  • What are you angry about?

  • What are you hopeful for?

  • What did you never have the chance to say?

For Those Noticing Changes in Memory

Recipient: Anyone who wants to understand

Prompt 1: What does this experience feel like for you right now? What do you wish other people understood?

Additional Prompts:

  • What are you scared about?

  • What are you hopeful for?

  • What was a meaningful or interesting moment from today?

 

Prompt 2: Think of a memory that feels warm or important to you. What happened? Who was there? Why does this memory matter to you?

You might write about:

  • A person you love

  • A place that feels special

  • A moment that made you smile

  • A time you felt proud, peaceful, or connected

Guidelines

Please read before submitting!!!

1. Please ensure that you carefully follow the prompt and select the appropriate category.
2. Kindly refrain from using inappropriate language and maintain a respectful tone throughout.

3. As a reminder, submissions must not be written as romantic letters. While you are welcome to reflect on loved ones, letters addressed to a current or future partner, or a romantic interest, are not permitted. (NO LOVE LETTERS)
4. Please keep in mind that our event emphasizes the importance of memories.
5. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in your letter not being posted. You may revise and resubmit your letter in accordance with these guidelines.

6. Please note that all letters will be reviewed prior to posting. Any entries deemed unserious, inappropriate, or intended to falsely imitate others will NOT be accepted.

7.  Additionally, this activity is intended to raise awareness regarding Alzheimer’s disease. We kindly ask that you keep this purpose in mind and submit sincere, thoughtful work. Please note that these letters will NOT be emailed back to you in the future; they will only be displayed on our letter gallery page. Share only what you are comfortable making public, and please put genuine effort into your submission.

Thank you for your understanding. - Letters From the Future Team 

Write a letter

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Alzheimer's, memory loss, family, and love. We will get your letter up in about 48 hours.

This can be a full name, first name with initial, first name only, 'Future Me' or 'Me in 10 years, Anonymous, a group of people, a title(ex. my best friend), 'everyone' or 'anyone'

This can be a full name, first name with initial, first name only, or Anonymous

Which section are you writing for?
For Everyone
For Loved Ones and Caregivers
For Those Noticing Changes in Memory

Please keep the letter between 50-2,000 words. Feel free to write in any language you feel comfortable in. We will post both the original and a translated version on our site.

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