Memory Loss and Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. Early stage symptoms include memory loss, problems with thinking, poor orientation, changes in mood or emotion, visual-perceptual difficulties and problems with language/communication. There are many conditions which cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Many people at the early stage of dementia stay largely independent and only require a small amount of assistance with daily living. It is important to focus on what the person can do by themselves and seek assistance if needed.
Early diagnosis of dementia can be very important as it can provide the opportunity for future care and treatment. It allows people plan while they are still able to make important decisions on their care and support needs and on financial and legal matters. It also helps them and their families to receive practical information, advice and guidance as they face new challenges.
The Very Brief Intervention section below is targeted towards improving early diagnoses and treatment. This section also includes a section on dementia risk reduction.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
How would you describe your memory at the moment?
Have you forgotten anything related to your normal day to day activities?
- We all forget things from time to time but has this increased
How would you describe your ability to concentrate on daily or regular tasks?
How would you describe your ability to find the right words in your daily conversations?
Have you ever got lost in an area you know well?
Can you remember events clearly from years ago but sometimes not remember who you saw this morning?
Are there times where you have misplaced items that then turn up in strange places?
Can I ask you some questions about the person?
Have you noticed changes in your loved one's behaviour or personality?
Is your loved one asking the same question repeatedly or telling you the same thing over and over again?
Do you often find they have misplaced items that then turn up in strange places , i.e. your purse in the fridge or glasses in the microwave?
Are they unsure about typical tasks such as making a cup of tea? Getting dressed?
Do you often find that they can remember events clearly from years ago but can't remember who they saw this morning?
Assist
If the person is worried about their memory, or think they may have dementia, state that it's a good idea to see a GP.
- Reassure the person that getting a diagnosis gives you and your family the best chance to prepare for the future
If you are worried about the person
If you're worried about someone else's memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP and perhaps suggest that you go with them.
There here are lots of organisations who can help with support and advice, would you like some further information on this?
Act
National Support Services
The NHS
It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/
The Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today.
Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis
Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide
Tel: Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456
Other Key links
Dementia UK - Dementia Helpline (support from dementia specialist admiral nurses): 0800 888 6678
Tide - Together In Dementia Everyday: Telephone: 0151 237 2669 Email: Carers@tide.uk.net
Carers UK- Making life better for carers: Telephone: 020 7378 4999
Self Care
We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For good heart health:
- don’t smoke
- keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control
- be active and exercise regularly
- maintain a healthy weight
- eat a healthy balanced diet
- drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Website: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Carers and / or relatives and friends can complete a form in advance, including important information about the missing individual such as the contact numbers, medication needed, locations the person was last seen and so forth also a photograph can be provided.
West Yorkshire Police - The Herbert Protocol Missing Person Incident Form | West Yorkshire Police - For patients known to wander
South Yorkshire Police - Herbert Protocol - SYP (southyorks.police.uk)
North Yorkshire Police - Dementia and the Herbert Protocol - North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police
Humberside Police - The Herbert Protocol | Humberside Police
Please see below for more information and contact details in your local area.
Local Support and Contact Details
Bath and North East Somerset
Dementia and memory loss
List of groups and services that can help people affected by dementia and memory loss and their carers.
Memory Loss and Dementia
If you are worried about yourself or a family member or friend experiencing forgetfulness, the first port of call should always be the GP.
This is important because other conditions such as depression, stress, infection or certain blood problems may cause similar, but treatable changes in thinking and behaviour.
As well as doing a brief test to assess your memory, the GP can also quickly check your physical health to exclude and treat other causes.
Whilst GPs do not normally make a diagnosis of dementia, as mentioned they will do a brief assessment of memory and thinking.
If other causes have been ruled out, then based on the outcome of this test, the GP may just keep an eye on you and see you again in a few months to repeat the tests to see if things have changed, or if indicated, they may refer an individual on to a specialist memory assessment service.
Swindon Local Offer - Getting help with memory problems
In Swindon, Memory Assessment Services are provided by: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Support services for people with dementia and their carers
Whilst the majority of the care provided for people with dementia comes from informal carers, such as family and friends, people with dementia are significant users of formal care services too. Formal care is provided by care workers, nursing staff or other health and social care professionals. It can involve personal care, helping the person with everyday tasks such as getting washed or dressed, or medical or nursing care. The following organisations provide care and support for people with dementia and their carers in Wiltshire:
Alzheimer's Support Wiltshire
Support people who are living with dementia in their own homes, helping them to maintain as much independence and control over their lives as possible. Host activity and support groups across the county. Information, advice and support for people with dementia and their carers.
Find out about support for families affected by dementia in Wiltshire
Contact | Alzheimer's Support (alzheimerswiltshire.org.uk)
Dementia - Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk)
Carer Support Wiltshire
Voluntary organisation providing information, advice, practical and emotional support.
Caring will affect us all at some point in our lives. We'll be here for you when that happens. With your help, we can be there for the 6,000 people who start looking after someone each day. We give expert advice, information and support. Caring can be extremely complicated. The maze of rights and entitlements can be complicated. Filling in paperwork can be complicated. Getting a break can be complicated. Our feelings about caring can certainly be complicated. We're here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don't have to care alone. Our expert telephone advice and support service is here if you want to talk about caring. If you're looking for answers, our online information and support is the best place to start.
Independent Living Centre
St Georges Road
Semington
Nr Trowbridge
BA14 6JQ
Age UK Wiltshire
Provide support and services to the older people of Wiltshire and Swindon. Their services are designed to improve wellbeing and promote independence.
Phone number: 0808 196 2424
Email: enquiries@ageukwiltshire.org.uk
We are open for telephone enquiries Monday - Friday, 10am to 3pm.
Our memory services are for people requiring specialist dementia assessment. Services are predominantly clinic based, but assessments may also be carried out at home. They see and work with people individually and in groups and provide training for both patients and carers so as to promote independence and meaningful occupation.
Memory services - Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk)