There are an estimated 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK at the moment. Another 225,000 will develop it this year – that’s one every three minutes.
A recent Government survey of more than 4,000 adults revealed many people are still confused about what are, and what are not, signs of dementia.
Though Broomgrove isn’t a registered dementia home we have a lot of knowledge. We regularly get enquiries for respite care from older people who look after relatives with dementia and need a break. We often give them advice as to what help is out there for them.
An early diagnosis is imperative as this opens the door to future care and treatment. It helps people to plan ahead while they are still capable of making important decisions regarding their care and support needs. They are also in a far better position to make decisions on future financial and legal matters.
They are also able – along with their families – to digest practical information, advice and guidance as they start to face new challenges.
I know how important an early diagnosis is. The symptoms displayed by my own mother-in-law were spotted early so the family encouraged my father in law to take her to the GP. She was diagnosed with dementia and put on medication straight away which has kept her stable.
She was also referred to the memory clinic, which has been a big support for my father in law.
The signs to look out for are:
- struggling to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past
- finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
- forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects
- not being able to recall things you have heard, seen or read
- Losing the thread of what you are saying, having problems thinking and reasoning, feeling anxious, depressed or angry.
- Feeling confused even when in a familiar environment or getting lost on familiar journeys and finding that other people start to notice or comment on your memory loss.
There is strong evidence that an early diagnosis helps someone with dementia to continue to live independently in their own home for longer. This helps to avoid early or unnecessary admission to a care home or hospital, enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia and carers alike.
More help and information can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk and www.alzheimers.org.uk
