Dementia
Find out more about dementia, how to spot the signs, the services available in Hertfordshire and information for carers.
Dementia can affect people at any age but it is most common in older people over the age of 65. As people continue to live longer lives, being dementia aware is ever more important.
What is dementia and what are the signs?
If you are becoming increasingly forgetful, you should speak to your GP. Early warning signs of dementia can include problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility, language, understanding and judgment.
Other symptoms can include:
- Increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that need concentration and planning
- Depression
- Changes in personality and mood
- Periods of mental confusion
- Difficulty finding the right words.
Further information about the early warning signs and possible symptoms of dementia can be found on the NHS Choices website.
The video below from Alzheimer's Weekly, is a quick and easy to understand explanation of dementia.
Support services
The Alzheimer’s Society - the main voluntary organisation offering services to people with dementia in Hertfordshire. Their services include a dementia advisor service, support worker service and a peer support service.
Meri Yaadin - which means ‘my memories’, is a local initiative which raises awareness of dementia and supports families in black and minority ethnic (BME) communities.
Dementia Carer - is a dedicated support website for people caring for somebody with dementia. It inlcudes links to local support services and experiences and advice from other carers.
Wellbeing cafes - wellbeing cafes provide entertainment and social activities as well as access to support for people who may need to be in contact with other services. Social, health and benefit advisors are on hand to help signpost you to services you may need. The wellbeing cafes are especially helpful for older people with dementia, isolation or depression and their carers.
Dementia self-care guide
Hertfordshire County Council have lots of information which offers advice to help you and your family/carer manage the condition, how to plan for the future, how to keep socially active and how to access the right benefits.
New Dementia Cafe
Are you caring for someone or living with dementia? Come and join us at:
Watford & Chorleywood Dementia Connections Café.
For everyone with any level of dementia, memory problems and their carers or family members. Working with Watford & Three Rivers Trust - Getting Together Service; these friendly and welcoming cafes are for people living with, or caring for someone, with dementia or memory problems.
They offer exercise and memory activities, opportunities to meet new people, emotional and practical support …………..and plenty of fun!
Follow the link for more info.