Dementia

Dementia is the overall name given to a group of conditions that affect how the brain works.

Common signs and symptoms of dementia:
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Mood swings
• Physical deterioration

There is not one single cause for dementia, although there are certain factors that could increase the risk of developing the disease. These include genetics, lifestyle such as drinking, smoking, poor diet or other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure. Age is a significant factor that increases the risk of developing dementia. Six percent of people over 65 and 1 in 5 over the age of 80 will develop it (source: www.alzheimers.org.uk). However, there are also thought to be 17,000 people under the age of 65 with dementia. Dementia is not a normal part of getting older, there is always a reason.

The most common types of Dementia are:
• Alzheimer’s (Disease) - which is the most common and is caused by the chemistry and structure of the brain changing.
• Vascular dementia- often caused by a stroke or many mini strokes.
• There are other types of dementia which have different symptoms, including Pick's Disease or Lewy Body Dementia - please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for more detailed information.

Sometimes other conditions can affect your memory or cause you to feel confused so it is really important to see you own doctor/GP to be checked out, and if still have problems your GP can refer you on to a specialist for further investigations, information and support.

Prevention/ self help for dementia

Research is still ongoing to find out what causes dementia which means prevention is difficult. However research so far recommends the following may be helpful to help prevent some of the conditions which can lead to certain types of dementia:
• Healthy diet, plenty of fruit and vegetables-limit intake of fatty foods
• Limit amount of alcohol
• Regular exercise
• Keeping mentally active e.g. reading, crosswords, TV quiz shows, lifelong learning
• Keeping socially active-seeing and speaking to people everyday
• Joining local groups e.g. Neighbourhood Network groups.

For those people already diagnosed with dementia and family carers it is equally important to take good care of yourself.

Your doctor should make sure you have been examined by a specialist team in a Memory Clinic to confirm a diagnosis of dementia and to make sure you are getting the right treatment and support.

 
Your family doctor should make sure you have a regular check up to make sure you are in the best of health that you can be.

If you are a family carer you need to make sure your doctor knows about this so they can respond quickly when you need services. You should also have your own Carers Assessment completed

Leeds has a very active Dementia Cafe network which offer social, psychological support and also advises on dementia and other services which may be useful.

A new project is to start soon called peer support, people with dementia offering support to other people who also have dementia in whatever way they agree is best for them.

Useful contacts

Adult Social Care (social services) will provide assessments such as support in your own home, access to day activities, Carer assessments. You can call them on 0113 2224401

Dementia cafes are community cafes across Leeds where people with Dementia/memory loss and their carers can come to relax meet others in a similar situation, get information and support. Find out more by calling 0113 2311727

Volition supports voluntary sector mental health organisations in Leeds and can provide information, contact details about services available in Leeds. Telephone 0113 2421321 or visit Volition's website.

Together working for wellbeing - provides advocacy, assertive outreach and intensive support for people with mental health issues. Telephone 0113 2446992

Further information is available at the infostore website.