A Woman who Made a Difference: An Interview with Nori Graham
This chapter describes an interview with Dr Nori Graham, a key figure in older people’s mental health, former Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Society and of Alzheimer’s Disease International, and an inspiration to generations of doctors. This reflective interview provides a first-person account of the development of mental health services for older people over the last 40 years, paying tribute to some of the pioneers and architects of the astonishing growth of old age psychiatry services during this period, and comparing the challenges then and now. Nori Graham also provides insights and advice on how to develop a successful career, and on dealing with the challenges for women doctors with children. Finally, she describes her work in helping to build up the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Disease International, both of which expanded considerably during her period as Chairman.