It’s Dementia Action Week, and this year the Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people to seek a diagnosis as soon as they realise they’re experiencing symptoms that could be indicators of dementia. Early action can help you understand your dementia and keep you living as independently as possible for longer.
Seeking a Diagnosis
The human brain changes as we age, but the symptoms of dementia are different from the usual signs of getting older.
Some of the most common symptoms of dementia include:
- Having trouble with managing daily tasks that used to be routine and easy.
- Confusion.
- New problems with language, comprehension, and having conversations.
- Behavioural changes.
- Memory loss.
The Alzheimer’s Society has a fantastic section on their website that can walk you through recognising the signs of getting older versus developing dementia, how to go about getting a dementia diagnosis, and why getting a diagnosis as early as possible is so important.
How Dementia Adventure Can Help
Dementia Adventure run accessible, detailed, and supportive sessions that are all about Understanding Dementia Better. They are completely free for individuals living with dementia and their friends and family, and they take place online, so there’s no need to travel in order to attend.
In the wake of receiving a dementia diagnosis, many people find themselves wondering what to do next. It can be a daunting challenge to face and it’s sometimes difficult to know where to turn to for guidance — often, people aren’t even aware that that there’s support out there.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, our Understanding Dementia Better sessions could be just what you need to help you take steps towards managing the disease. They’re really valuable in teaching you about how dementia affects the brain, as well as how you can use that knowledge to address the symptoms of dementia in practical, everyday ways.
After attending an Understanding Dementia Better session, you can expect to understand:
- The common symptoms of dementia.
- How dementia can affect the senses, communication, and behaviour.
- The importance of seeing the person before the condition.
- Practical ways to connect with a person with dementia as a carer.
- Strategies to overcome communication barriers.
- Solutions for adapting the environment.
- The benefits of a connection with nature and the outdoors.
Our sessions also signpost you to other resources and organisations that offer support for people living with dementia and their carers.
What Else Can Dementia Adventure Offer?
Resources:
We have a wealth of resources on our website, from advice about the issues you may experience as someone living with dementia and how to overcome them, to top tips on how people living with dementia can engage with nature and why this is so important.
Free training:
Our Mood and Motivation sessions are a fantastic follow-on from our Understanding Dementia Better training. Aimed at family and friends supporting a person living with dementia, they look at why some people with dementia and their carers have difficulty finding the motivation to ‘get up and do’. They’ll help you consider how to improve mood and motivation both for yourself and the person you support with hints and tips on how to raise mood, build confidence, and consider meaningful activities, while encouraging the individual to feel happy, safe and secure.
Blog:
We also have a blog that offers weekly articles on living well with dementia, updates on what Dementia Adventure is up to, and information about the services we offer. If you sign up to our mailing list, all of that will come right to your email inbox! https://mailchi.mp/dementiaadventure/sign-up-to-the-dementia-adventure-newsletter