Boom Saloon, a non-for-profit media movement dedicated to creativity for good, is set to unveil a book printed in disappearing ink to mirror the cognitive decline experienced by those living with dementia. Created in collaboration with dementia patients, carers, and healthcare specialists, this project gives voice to a community often marginalized and misunderstood.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK, affecting nearly 1 in 6 people over the age of 65. Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia, a figure expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Despite its prevalence, the voices of those living with dementia are often silenced or overlooked, their stories reduced to clinical jargon.
4,4,4&2 takes the form of a cherished family cookbook, filled with personal artefacts, handwritten recipes, and mementoes collected across Maggie’s (a dementia patient and contributor to the project) life. Every page is printed in light-sensitive disappearing ink, warping and fading uniquely within each finished copy. This design gesture offers a visceral reminder of memory’s fragility and the deeply personal, fluctuating nature of dementia’s progression. The publication uses design and storytelling to convery the emotional landscape of dementia—from memory loss to moments of clarity and identity. This tactile, interactive approach invites readers to engage physically and emotionally with the subject matter.
Beyond its artistic ambition, the project serves as a powerful tool for awareness and empathy, encouraging society to rethink how dementia is perceived and addressed. By centering the lived experiences of patients rather than clinical perspectives alone, Boom Saloon challenges stigma and advocates for compassionate care and inclusion. Supported by Age Scotland, Canon, GF Smith, and Create Future, the project debuts alongside a series of public launches designed to engage communities, policy makers, and care providers. 4,4,4&2 continues Boom Saloon’s mission to democratise creativity for good, amplifying voices often overlooked and sparking meaningful, empathetic dialogue around dementia.
