Memory Loss or 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 you can do by yourself 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.  

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Ask

  • How would you describe your memory at the moment?
  • Have you forgot anything related to your normal data 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/regular tasks?
  • How would you describe you ability to find the right words in you daily conversations?
  • Have you ever getting lost easily in an area you know well?
  • Can you remember events clearly from years ago but sometimes not remember who you saw this morning? 
  • Is 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 , ie 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?
  • How are you?
  • Can I ask you some questions about the patient?
  • Do they often find that you can remember events clearly from years ago but can't remember who you saw this morning?

Assist

  • There are groups out there where you can meet others living with dementia/carers
  • You don’t need a diagnosis to get support
  • There are lots of organisations who can help with support and advice
  • Dementia doesn't just affect 'old people '
  • You are not alone 
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help 
  • This isn’t the end, it is the beginning of a different path

Act

National Support

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. 

Alzheimer's Society - Dementia Connect Support Line: 0333 150 3456

Deep - Innovations In Dementia: 01392 420076 

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

 

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. 

Â