September is World Alzheimer’s Month. It’s a chance for us to come together to raise awareness of dementia and address the stigma and discrimination that still exists around the condition.
To get involved you could become a Dementia Friend, join the Birmingham Memory Walk on 14 September or Dementia UK’s Walk 30 miles in September challenge.
Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include:
Finding the reason for any changes you’re experiencing can help you to get the right treatment and support. Speaking to your GP is the starting point.
If you’ve only recently become aware of changes, it might feel as though your symptoms aren’t ‘bad enough’ yet. But getting an early diagnosis of dementia can be important.
3 out of 5 people with dementia wish they had got a diagnosis sooner. There are important reasons for this, which may help you if you are wondering whether to talk to the GP.
Problems with memory and thinking aren’t always dementia. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms which can be treated, including:
There are also other causes of memory problems and thinking that are different to dementia, and can get better with the right support, such as mild cognitive impairment.
Often, it’s a combination of things that cause symptoms. Seeing the GP can help you get the treatment you need to feel better.
If you have dementia, being diagnosed at an earlier stage gives you a chance to adjust and get things you need.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are answers to questions or concerns people often raise with us.
Getting a dementia diagnosis means you can access financial benefits you might be entitled to. It also means that you are legally protected from discrimination (being treated unfairly).
For more information, please visit the webpages below.
Benefits for people affected by dementia | Alzheimer's Society
It can be challenging for other people to understand why you are not able to function as well as you used to. This can be frustrating. Getting a diagnosis of dementia can help people to adjust to the changes you’re experiencing and support you more effectively.
It’s important not to write off your symptoms as being unimportant. Your problems are worth investigating – you deserve to know what is behind them and healthcare professionals are there to support you.
Deciding to speak to your GP is a positive and important step.
For more information, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society webpage below.
Dementia diagnosis | Alzheimer's Society - Connected Content
There is no cure for the diseases causing dementia yet. But there is lots of support that can help you live as well as possible. Getting a diagnosis should let you know what type of dementia you have. It can also help you plan for the future and access therapies and support groups. This may also mean you get access to medicines to help you manage your symptoms.
For more information on available support and resources please visit:
Get advice and information, whether you are worried about your memory, waiting for a referral or already diagnosed.
Call the Dementia Support Line to speak to a trained adviser 0333 150 3456.
Use the dementia directory to find local support services for people with dementia and their carers. Just enter your postcode when you use the webpage below.
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative. You can become a Dementia Friend by watching a short video or attending an information session (virtual or in-person).
Alzheimer’s Society Learning Hub is an interactive, education learning platform for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge around dementia. The hub offers a range of online courses for families, friends and organisations. There is a charge for the courses.
Please use the link below to understand the types of support available for carers in Solihull.
If you have a permanent and significant disability a Blue Badge helps you to park closer to where you need to go either as a driver or passenger. Please use the link below to apply for or renew a Blue Badge:
For details of activities, ideas and inspiration to motivate everyone to ‘So Go! and get active’, visit the new Solihull On The Move website at:
In response to the challenges which continue to cause difficulties for many households, there is a range of advice and help available to keep your home warm, reduce your energy usage and save you money.
For information on driving and Dementia visit: The law on driving and dementia | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)
Many people with dementia will reach a point where they can no longer make some decisions for themselves. This is known as lacking ‘mental capacity’ to make those decisions. When this happens, someone else – often a carer or family member – will need to decide on behalf of the person with dementia.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that lets you choose someone (or several people) you trust to make decisions for you. This person is referred to as your ‘attorney’, and you can choose what decisions they can make for you.
There are two different types of LPA:
You can choose to make both types or just one. You can appoint the same person to be your attorney for both, or you can have different attorneys. You can find out more about these types of LPAs below.
All LPAs must be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used. The OPG is a government body that is responsible for the registration of LPAs.
For more information see ‘How do I make an LPA?'
The Dementia Strategy is an overview of how health and social care will work together across Birmingham and Solihull to improve the lives of people with dementia and those who look after them.
For more information on available support and resources please visit the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.