World Alzheimer's Month
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, which is organised by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
This year’s campaign, ‘Never too early, never too late’, focuses on the factors that increase the likelihood of developing dementia and what we can do to reduce our risk.
Did you know?
- More than 55 million people around the world are living with dementia.
- Someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds.
- The number of people living with dementia is predicted to almost triple by 2050.
- Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.
- Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are the most common types of dementia and are responsible for up to 90% of cases of dementia
Symptoms between Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia vary, but are broadly similar.
Ten of the most common warning signs are:
- Memory loss, especially short-term memory
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems keeping track of things
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood and behaviour
- Challenges understanding visual and spatial information
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about a friend or relative, speak to your doctor.
There are many different factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk of developing dementia increases as we get older, but it is not a normal part of ageing.
There are also genes that can affect your chances of getting dementia.
We cannot avoid or reduce some risk factors, but there are others that we can do something about.
The Alzheimer’s Society website has more information on the different risk factors and advice on how to reduce your risk of developing dementia.
You can also find information on the Alzheimer’s Disease International website.
There is currently no cure for dementia but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms, such as medication, talking therapies and person centred care.
Getting an early diagnosis can help people and their families get the right support as early as possible.
Our Carers Intensive Support Team, from our Older Adult Mental Health, Dementia and Frailty Service in south east Essex, will be attending awareness raising events this month, including:
Friday 29 September: A dementia carers drop-in event at Hockley Day Centre, Southend Road, Hockley from 10am to 12.30pm.
Saturday 30 September: Rochford’s #ByYourSide Community Event at the Mill Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, from 11am to 3pm.
We also offer a wide range of services to support people with dementia, including:
- The Dementia Intensive Support Team, which provides intensive support to patients with dementia and older people with a mental health diagnosis, to help avoid them needing to go into hospital when they are experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Memory Assessment Service for people who have noticed changes with their memory and are concerned.
- Older People’s Community Mental Health Teams, which provide assessments, care planning, co-ordination and monitoring, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and domiciliary support
- Care homes at Rawreth Court in Rayleigh and Clifton Lodge in Westcliff, which provide tailored care and support for people with dementia
You can find out more about our full range of services and how to get help on our Services page.