Dementia

Support for dementia

What is dementia and how does it affect people?

Dementia is caused when parts of the brain stop working properly due to disease or trauma. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. 

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise. One in three people in the UK has a family member or close friend who is living with Dementia.

Dementia is a profoundly life-changing condition, and is often people’s biggest fear in later life. People with dementia and their carers have asked for more support to do things in the community. This includes more opportunities to participate in activities and better access to services to maintain their independence.

People living with dementia can still have a good quality of life at most stages of the condition, provided the right care and support is in place. We want to work towards making Cambridgeshire a dementia supportive community.

We can all make a difference

We can all play a part in increasing awareness and improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers. One of the best steps we can all take is to become a Dementia Friend.

• Dementia friends are people with a little more understanding about dementia and ready to show consideration in their local community.
• Becoming a Dementia Friend involves attending a short 45 minute information session or completing an online module, reflecting on what it is like to live with dementia and some of the small steps we can all take to raise awareness.

NHS Choices has information on how a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of getting dementia in later life.

If you are worried

There is information and support available for those who are worried about their memory and worried about dementia. People should also discuss their concerns with their GP. The Alzheimer’s Society is a good starting point for advice.

Living with dementia

A person with dementia can request a social care assessment to ensure that they are getting the help they need themselves. More information on assessments .

Carers play an absolutely vital role in the care and support of people with dementia. Find out more about support for carers.

Support for carers around the time of diagnosis is vital. This could be information leaflets, a support group or through linking up with other carers online. 

Dementia Connect provides the opportunity to search by postcode for services near you.