Dementia Services
Dementia Awareness
Dementia Awareness
If you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP about the early signs of dementia.
As you get older, you may find that memory loss becomes a problem. It's normal for your memory to be affected by age, stress, tiredness, or certain illnesses and medications. This can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life or is worrying you or someone you know, you should seek help from your GP.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a common condition that affects about 800,000 people in the UK. Your risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental agility
- language
- understanding
- judgement
People with dementia can become apathetic or uninterested in their usual activities, and have problems controlling their emotions . They may also find social situations challenging, lose interest in socialising , and aspects of their personality may change.
A person with dementia may lose empathy (understanding and compassion), they may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations ), or they may make false claims or statements.
As dementia affects a person's mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem. A person with dementia will therefore usually need help from friends or relatives, including help with decision making .
Your GP will discuss the possible causes of memory loss with you, including dementia. Other symptoms can include:
- increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning
- depression
- changes in personality and mood
- periods of mental confusion
- difficulty saying the right words
Most types of dementia can't be cured, but if it's detected early there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function.
How common is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer's Society there are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, and two-thirds of people with dementia are women.
The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. It is estimated that by 2021, the number of people with dementia in the UK will have increased to around 1 million.
Why is it important to get a diagnosis?
An early diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future. With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives
Find out more about dementia from:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/about-dementia.aspx
It is very important that anyone who has problems with their memory has a proper assessment. If these problems are due to dementia then early diagnosis and referral has many benefits for the patient, their carer(s) and family. It can help them to plan and access the treatment and support they need and to improve their quality of life.
If you are having memory problems, please book an appointment with one of the GPs, who can make an initial assessment and refer you to the Memory Clinic if required.
Find out more about dementia care & support
Dementia – Resources for patients and their carers
Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
Call 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org Open 7 days a week
Free and confidential advice and support service for anyone with a question or concern about dementia, staffed by experienced
dementia specialists.
Age UK
Advice Line 0800 055 6112 Free to call 8am 7pm 365 days a year
Information and advice about staying well and safe, providing care, accessing services, arranging funerals and telephone befriending.
Alzheimer’s Society / Dementia Connect
Helpline 0300 222 112 Available 7 days per week
Support and advice from dementia advisors. Includes access to an online community, Talking Point to connect with others affected by dementia.
Carers UK
Helpline 0808 808 7777 Mon Fri, 9am 6pm or by emailing advice@carersuk.org
Information and advice about how to get help and support as a carer.
Cruse bereavement information
Helpline 0808 808 1677 or by emailing helpline@cruse.org.uk
Emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement.
Dementia Change Action Network (DCAN)
Practical ideas for living with dementia during the COVID 19 pandemic, including advice on managing social distancing https://distancingwithdementia.org.uk/
Independent Age
Helpline 0800 319 6789 Open Mon Friday. Includes information about staying well and safe, tackling loneliness and how to access to grief counselling.
The Silver Line
Helpline 0800 470 8090 Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
www.dementiavoices.org.uk
Support and practical advice for carers and people with dementia.
TIDE (Together In Dementia Everyday)
Information about COVID 19 and suggested activities