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What is Dementia Action Week?

What is Dementia Action Week?

Revelations that EastEnders favourite Barbara Windsor has been living with Alzheimer’s since 2014 dominated the newspapers over the last couple of weeks, putting the degenerative brain disease back in the spotlight.

The husband of the former Carry On films actress gave a moving interview with The Sun newspaper on how the 80-year-old “suddenly has no recollection of our history” and many people rushed to social media to pay tribute to the Queen of British soap.

There are currently around 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia. You will most probably know someone who is living with the condition and yet, many people with dementia face the condition alone and feel cut off from society.

This Dementia Action Week (21-27 May), the Alzheimer’s Society is determined to create a “dementia-friendly UK where people with dementia are included and supported to live the lives they want.”

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. Typical symptoms may include memory loss, thinking speed, language, judgement, mood, movement and difficulties carrying out daily activities.

A person with dementia may lose empathy and may become anxious or withdrawn in social situations. Although there is no cure for dementia at present, if it’s diagnosed early on then there are ways to slow it down and maintain mental function, allowing the person to live a fulfilling life.

The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. By 2025, it is estimated that the number of people with dementia in the UK will have increased to around 1 million.

A dementia diagnosis will have a big impact on yours and your loved ones life. You may begin worrying about how long you’ll be able to take care of yourself and how long you can retain your independence.

There are many support networks across the UK, including Dementia SupportDementia UKNHS ChoicesAlzheimer’s SocietyAge UK and Nurseplus Homecare.

How can I get involved?

The Society is calling on people from all walks of life to create the change in communities that people with dementia want to see. According to Dementia Action, the Dementia Statements will be a focal point in the campaign – highlighting the fact that “all people affected by dementia have a right to be treated equally and live the lives they want – free rom fear and prejudice.”

Whether it’s taking the time to stop for a cuppa and a chat with someone you know with dementia, hosting a tea dance, or organising a bake sale to fundraise, starting the conversation will go a long way. To find out what’s going on in your area, visit Alzheimer’s Society’s map tool.

To find out more about how you can get involved, visit Alzheimer’s Society or Dementia Action Alliance

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Nurseplus