Increasing Dementia Awareness in London

 

It is estimated that there are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040*. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, national charity Alzheimer’s Society saw a 4.1% decrease in dementia diagnosis rates between February 2020 and June 2020. This suggests that there are thousands of people in the UK living with dementia without a diagnosis.

 

The Alzheimer’s Society’s vision is a world without dementia. They campaign to increase awareness of dementia and improve the lives of those living with dementia. They also fund research to find a cure. It is therefore a charity that is very close to our hearts, here at Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich.

 

Understanding and supporting those living with dementia is not helped by a number of common myths about the nature of dementia.  In this blog we set out some basic points aimed at over-turning some of these myths.

 

Myth one: “Dementia is a disease”

The terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are often used interchangeably but dementia is not a disease in its own right.

Dementia is caused by different diseases that affect the brain and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common of these.  There are lots of different types of dementia.  Another common type is vascular dementia, which is caused by problems with blood supply to the brain.  Dementia effects everyone differently and each case is unique.

 

Myth two: “Dementia only affects memory loss” 

 

Whilst dementia often begins with short-term memory loss, dementia is actually the umbrella name for a group of symptoms.  These symptoms commonly include problems with memory, thinking, problem solving, language and perception.   Different types of dementia cause damage to different parts of the brain.

 

Myth three: “After a dementia diagnosis, the only option is to move into a care home”

 

If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, with the right care and support they can continue living in the comfort of their own home.  In-home dementia care from a trained and trusted CareGiver can help alleviate the progression of symptoms. In addition, a regular routine and familiar home surroundings can reduce feelings of stress amongst people living with dementia.   

Live-in care is also an option for those requiring 24-hour dementia care at home.  Live-in care is where a CareGiver takes up residence in a Client’s home. This provides Clients and their families, reassurance that someone else is in the house.  A CareGiver can also identify any potential issues and ensure the home environment remains safe.

 

If you’re based in the Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich area and require support caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, contact our local office team for information on how we can help. You can also read more about dementia homecare on our Alzheimer’s and Dementia service page.

 

At Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich, we have been raising awareness and fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society for many years.  Our Managing Director is a Dementia Friends champion. Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative created to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about dementia.

 

If you run a business in Mitcham Streatham or Dulwich and would like your staff to attend a Dementia Friends information session, please get in touch with us at Right at Home. We’d be more than happy to deliver a Dementia Friends session for your workplace.

 

For more information on how we can support you and your family with dementia homecare in Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich please speak to a member of our friendly office team on 020 8004 9644.

 

Other useful resources:

 

• Alzheimer’s Society’s guide to dementia risk factors and prevention
• Lewy Body Society UK – a registered charity in England and Wales
• Dementia UK – a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland

 

*Source: Alzheimer’s Society website