Community News From Around Our Area

Worried About Your Memory? Alzheimer’s Society is Here to Help

Your Call Magazine spoke to Kate Sweet, a Dementia Connect Local Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the West Midlands. Below she discusses what to do if you are worried about your own or a loved one’s memory and the support that is available to the over 84,000 people living with dementia in the region.

“We all misplace or forget things, most of the time these slips are a nuisance rather than something more serious. However, if these problems are seemingly getting worse and affecting your everyday life, it’s important to speak to your GP. Memory problems do not always mean dementia. They can also be a sign of other conditions including depression, infections, and vitamin deficiencies, which is why it is important to eliminate other causes of memory loss first.

“Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia, no matter where you are or what you’re going through, you can turn to us for information and advice. Dementia Connect is our personalised support and advice service for anyone affected by dementia. It’s free, easy to access, and puts people in touch with our expert Dementia Advisers from local face to face help to phone and online support. Whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia, or someone to talk to when things get tough, they are there to help.

This can include:

• Help with understanding and coming to terms with a diagnosis of dementia
• Advice on how to cope and live with dementia
• Tips for making a home dementia-friendly
• Support with everyday living such as government benefits
• Help navigating health and social services
• Advice on legal documents and Lasting Power of Attorney
• Connection to dementia groups within local communities

Of course, everyone’s experience of a diagnosis of dementia is different. Sadness, fear and a sense of loss or disbelief are all common reactions. People can also feel relief, as they have an explanation for the changes they have been experiencing. Once you have a diagnosis, you can deal with it and do something about it. Your doctor may prescribe drugs that can lessen symptoms for a while or slow down their progression in some people. While there is currently no cure, it is possible to live well with dementia for many years.”

For more information, call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.