Young or old we all have a duty to better understand and recognise the signs of Dementia.
It’s completely normal for memory to be affected by age, stress, tiredness or certain illnesses and medications. This can be tiresome if it happens occasionally, but if it begins affecting yours – or your loved ones – family life, you should seek help from your GP.
So what is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This often includes problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility, judgment, understanding and language.
The Alzheimer’s Society now state there are around 800,000 people in the UK living with Dementia, with 1 in 3 people over 65 developing the condition. Two thirds of people with Dementia are women. Your risk of developing Dementia increases as you reach older age, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.
An early diagnosis can help people with Dementia get the right treatment and support, whilst also supporting those close to them in preparing and planning for the future. Part of this planning process includes thinking about what care at home options are available, how this will fit with your family and how you will fund care? This is where Helping Hands can help. With an estimated 1 million people with dementia by 2021, families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the disease and the available help.
Extra care from dementia care specialists can effectively relieve stress levels related to Dementia, whilst also providing peace of mind that you or your loved ones are in the best possible hands.
Find out more about the care Helping Hands offer to loved ones with Dementia. To read about the different types of dementia, please click here.