Dementia Action Week UK (May 19-25)
Can you support the Alzheimer's Society Awareness Campaign?
Can you help raise awareness of Dementia, its symptoms and the need for early diagnosis?
What is dementia? ‘Dementia’ describes a group of symptoms that include problems with memory, thinking or language, and changes in mood, emotions, perception and behaviour. Dementia is a progressive disease, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over time. There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. The next most common is vascular dementia.
My father was diagnosed with vascular dementia, following a major hospitalisation in 2015. This was one of the many health issues he had, including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, bladder cancer and rheumatoid arthritis…there’s more, but I think you get the picture.
Dementia is cruel and torturous for the person who has it and their loved ones. Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a paradoxical, unforgiving mix of emotions and experiences.
Next week, from Monday, 19th May to Sunday, 25th May, it’s Dementia Action Week in the UK, founded by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Can you help raise awareness about Dementia, its symptoms and the need for early diagnosis?
There are resource links below to help you.
This information is sourced from the Alzheimer’s Society Website.
Dementia Action Week is an awareness-raising campaign. Each year, the Alzheimer's Society (UK)1 collaborates with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to take action on dementia.
This year they are focussing on diagnosis and educating audiences on the most common symptoms of dementia.
Click here for a Dementia symptoms leaflet (English and Welsh language)
If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, complete our symptoms checklist at alzheimers.org.uk/checklist and show it to a GP. Or call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 (English-speaking) - Alzheimer’s Society.
Talking to someone about their memory problems
It can be difficult to talk to someone about problems with their memory. Advice to help you start a conversation.
How to offer help to someone with dementia who doesn’t want it
Do you know a person with dementia or memory problems who is refusing offers of help? Here are a few ways to support someone who may be in denial or lack insight about their situation.
Denial can be beneficial, as it can give someone time to process news and how they feel about it.
Victoria’s comment: If you regularly see someone you can understand how well they are managing day to day, their symptoms may have only started to become more apparent to them and others.
In other cases, I’ve friends who’ve been shocked in the changes they’ve seen with a loved one. These situations can be the most emotional contexts, where everyone is frustrated, scared and wondering what’s next.
Whether it’s early on or a big change, I’d urge you to take a deep breath, and lead with listening and observations first. Connecting with empathy can lay an important groundwork of trust.
Create a space for your friend/loved one to share their thoughts at their pace AND start to take notes (literally or just mentally).
what are the everyday things they're struggling with?
How do they feel they’re doing? Try to distinguish between their needs and wishes.
I started to curate this Dementia Anthology of personal experiences and resources early 2024. I hope it can be of service to you or someone you know. Thank you to all the writers/curators for publishing their stories.
The Impact of Dementia
Around one million people are living with #DementiaBehindClosedDoors. We can change that when we act as one, loudly telling our stories to make people in power understand why dementia must be a priority. Join us, share your experiences and make a difference. Share your story: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/stories
Support Services (UK)
Dementia UK Specialist Nurse support: What is an Admiral Nurse, and how can they help?
Alzheimer’s Society (UK)
Alzheimer’s Society Caregiver Guide Caring for someone with dementia Click here
Memory Cafés. Support groups
Carers UK: For unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support. A Carers discussion forum (anonymous participation). Campaigning to make life better for carers
mobilise 'Together we care and thrive'
Respite for Carers: Carefree transforms vacant accommodation into vital breaks for unpaid carers
Carers Trust Young Carers Advice and Support
MIND Crisis and Listening services If you need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling.
Support Services (US)
Memory Cafés Support groups.
Please remember to ‘❤️’ LIKE the article to guide others to these resources and raise awareness about Dementia and its impact.
At Alzheimer’s Society we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. We do this by giving help to those living with dementia today, and providing hope for the future.
As a Society, we are made up of people with dementia, carers, trusted experts, campaigners, researchers and clinicians. We are the UK’s largest collective force of people with unparalleled knowledge and over 40 years of experience addressing the biggest challenges facing people living with dementia.
FYI World Alzheimer’s Day is September 21st each year.
Carefree, what an amazing service they have offer! I'm SO jealous!! I wonder if we have a similar service in Japan...