Dementia Action Week 16 - 22 May 2022

This week is Dementia Action Week, the Alzheimer’s Society’s annual awareness week. This year the focus is on the importance of diagnosing the conditions.   

Nationally, diagnosis rates have fallen to a five-year low, meaning many people may not know they have the disease and so don’t seek out guidance and support. Common dementia symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes and changes in behaviour. 

Many people think memory loss is just a normal sign of aging, but it could be a sign of something more serious. Although getting a diagnosis can be daunting, research from the Alzheimer’s Society shows that 91 per cent of people affected by dementia believe it is better to know. 

It’s important for anyone who is getting older and worried about the loss of mental abilities or forgetfulness to consult their GP first. Your GP will rule out and treat any other causes.

In Haringey there is a great level of support for people suffering from Dementia in the community, including The Haynes Centre dementia hub in Hornsey, that provides different levels of support to those diagnosed with dementia.

The Information hub is open to everyone in Haringey seeking a support network, information and guidance around dementia. The centre also supports the Haynes Relatives Support Group, which holds regular meetings and events for carers. 

If you need advice, help and support on living with dementia for yourself, a friend or a family member, or simply to find out more about support available locally, visit our dementia webpages.

Other useful links:

• Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website (external link).
• Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122
• Find local services at Dementia Connect (external link)
• Join the Talking Point discussion forum (external link)