Justin Tomlinson MP today showed his support for Dementia Awareness Week taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this week.
For thousands of people, living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia is a daily battle. It can be a lonely experience and Dementia Awareness Week aims to both raise awareness of the condition, and also the help and support available.
Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers provide both local information and over 2,000 services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to people affected by dementia in their communities.
They run the national dementia helpline - 0845 3000 366 - where their specially trained advisers can discuss any concerns around dementia, including:
• Understanding dementia and treatments available
• How to get help locally
• Maintaining independence
• Financial and legal matters
• Caring for people with dementia
• Community care and long-stay care
There is further information, factsheets and advice for living well with dementia on their website alzheimers.org.uk.
Dementia Awareness Week is a fantastic opportunity to promote 5 facts about the condition that everyone should know:
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
Age is the biggest risk factor with dementia, and 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with a dementia. But it is not a natural part of aging. It is caused by diseases of the brain - memory loss is often accompanied by mood changes and confusion. This is very different to people becoming more forgetful as they get older, or during times of stress or illness.
Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
The term ‘dementia’ is used to describe a collection of symptoms including a decline in memory, reasoning and communication skills, and a gradual loss of skills needed to carry out daily activities. These symptoms are caused by changes in the brain as a result of physical diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. There are a great number of different types of dementia, all caused by different diseases of the brain, and each can produce different symptoms.
It's not just about losing your memory
Dementia is more than short-term memory loss. It can also affect the way people think, speak and do things. Dementia makes it difficult to plan and learn new activities, and interferes with structured tasks like writing. It can also make it harder to communicate.
It's possible to live well with dementia
Many imagine a life with dementia to be very bleak, but many people will continue to enjoy loving relationships with friends and family, continue their interests and hobbies, and contribute to their community.
Only 43% of people with dementia in the UK currently get a formal diagnosis
With the right support people with dementia can live rich, varied lives. Getting a formal diagnosis is often the key to accessing that advice and support. Unfortunately we know only 43% of people on average in the UK ever get a formal diagnosis
Justin Tomlinson MP said “With a staggering one in three over 65s likely to suffer from dementia, it is vital we raise awareness of the condition, promoting the support that is available out there.
“I fully support Dementia Awareness Week as a way to reach out to sufferers in our communities.”