Facing Dementia Head On
Funding from People’s Postcode Lottery players helps Alzheimer’s Society face dementia head on. Our players are helping the charity to achieve their vision – a world without dementia.
Find out more about what Alzheimer’s Society does and how player funding makes a difference. You can also find a list of services and local support for those with the condition.
Dementia Books On Prescription
Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia offers support for people diagnosed with dementia, their relatives and carers, or for people who would just like to find out more about the condition.
GPs and other health professionals can recommend titles from a list of 37 books on dementia. The books are available for anyone to borrow free from their local library.
Read more about the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia.
Charities For People With Dementia
There are several dementia charities that offer advice and support.
One of the main dementia charities is Alzheimer’s Society. Its website has information on all diseases that cause dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease, including how to live well with dementia and how to find help and support near you.
It also runs the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 for information and advice about dementia.
Dementia UK is a national charity that aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. It offers advice and support to families who are living with dementia through its Admiral Nurses, who are registered nurses and dementia experts.
Alzheimer’s Research UK carries out dementia research but also answers questions about dementia and dementia research, including how you and your family and friends can get involved. The charity’s infoline â on 0300 111 5 111 â can provide help and guidance.
Age UK has advice on a range of topics, including advance care planning, benefits and choosing a care home, as well as information on local activities and services for those with dementia. It runs a free national helpline on 0800 055 6112.
The Carers Trust provides information and advice on its website for carers, including how to get support for yourself.
Carers UK is a national charity for carers, providing information and advice from benefits to practical support.
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About The Alzheimers Association
As the worldâs leading voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimerâs care, support and research, the Alzheimerâs Association strives to improve quality of life for those facing Alzheimerâs disease and other dementias. We fund critical research provide education and resources raise awareness and advocate in partnership with government, private and nonprofit organizations for a solution to the global Alzheimerâs epidemic.
The mission of the Alzheimerâs Association is to eliminate Alzheimerâs disease through the advancement of research to provide and enhance care for all those affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Society Leicestershire And Rutland
- Phone: 0116 231 1111
- Address: 4 Oak Spinney Park Ratby Lane, Leicester LE3 3AW
The Alzheimer’s society Leicestershire and Rutland provide a Dementia support service in Leicester City, Leicester County and Leicester Hospitals for carers and people with dementia. The dementia support service offers information and practical guidance both in the community and in hospitals to help carers and people with dementia to understand the condition, manage the hospital discharge process, cope with the day to day challenges and prepare for the future.
The support provided can be face to face, over the phone or in writing. Additionally, carers and people with dementia can attend one of our many Dementia support cafes or Carers Information and Support Programmes.
Dementia Memory cafes are held monthly in Leicester, Countesthorpe, Lutterworth, Loughborough, Coalville, Wigston, Glenfield, Melton Mowbray and Syston. Monthly peer support or activity groups are held in Market Harborough and Hinckley. Singing for the brain sessions are held in Blaby. Contact us for details of when and where all our groups meet.
Access to our service is via self referral or through Health and Social Care professionals by telephone, fax or email. The service has a dedicated telephone number 0116 231 6921
We also have an online shop where you can find out about and buy daily living aids and equipment to assist with dementia.
- Services
- Advice and support, Aids, adaptations and equipment, Health and wellbeing
- Location
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Medications To Maintain Mental Function In Alzheimer’s Disease
Several medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of Alzheimers. Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimers. Donepezil, memantine, the rivastigmine patch, and a combination medication of memantine and donepezil are used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimers symptoms. All of these drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit messages between neurons. They may help reduce symptoms and help with certain behavioral problems. However, these drugs dont change the underlying disease process. They are effective for some but not all people and may help only for a limited time.
What Do You Hope Viewers Take Away From The Storyline And Caroles Dementia Journey
Seán Gleeson : I hope that we can help cast a wider light on dementia, break some taboos and show people that they are not alone with it. Dementia can be cruel and harsh, but the person and their family can still share loving moments and a dignified end.
Ben Wadey : Aside from raising awareness and hopefully setting out some of the reality of what its like to go through treatment with dementia, we hope our viewers will be reminded to take time to appreciate those that they love. Lifes too short, and we need to make and cherish memories while we can.
Holby City is available on BBC One and iPlayer. If you’re affected by dementia or worried about your memory, we’re here for you:
Dementia Connect support line
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The Effects Of Alzheimers On The Brain
Damage to the brain begins years before symptoms appear. Abnormal protein deposits form plaques and tangles in the brain of someone with Alzheimers disease. Connections between cells are lost, and they begin to die. In advanced cases, the brain shows significant shrinkage.
Its impossible to diagnose Alzheimers with complete accuracy while a person is alive. The diagnosis can only be confirmed when the brain is examined under a microscope during an autopsy. However, specialists are able to make the correct diagnosis up to 90 percent of the time.
The symptoms of Alzheimers and dementia can overlap, but there can be some differences.
Both conditions can cause:
- behavioral changes
- difficulty speaking, swallowing, or walking in advanced stages of the disease
Some types of dementia will share some of these symptoms, but they include or exclude other symptoms that can help make a differential diagnosis. Lewy body dementia , for example, has many of the same later symptoms as Alzheimers. However, people with LBD but are more likely to experience initial symptoms such as visual hallucinations, difficulties with balance, and sleep disturbances.
People with dementia due to Parkinsons or Huntingtons disease are more likely to experience involuntary movement in the early stages of the disease.
Treatment for dementia will depend on the exact cause and type of dementia, but many treatments for dementia and Alzheimers will overlap.
The Basics Of Alzheimers Disease
Scientists are conducting studies to learn more about plaques, tangles, and other biological features of Alzheimers disease. Advances in brain imaging techniques allow researchers to see the development and spread of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins in the living brain, as well as changes in brain structure and function. Scientists are also exploring the very earliest steps in the disease process by studying changes in the brain and body fluids that can be detected years before Alzheimers symptoms appear. Findings from these studies will help in understanding the causes of Alzheimers and make diagnosis easier.
One of the great mysteries of Alzheimers disease is why it largely affects older adults. Research on normal brain aging is exploring this question. For example, scientists are learning how age-related changes in the brain may harm neurons and affect other types of brain cells to contribute to Alzheimers damage. These age-related changes include atrophy of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, blood vessel damage, production of unstable molecules called free radicals, and mitochondrial dysfunction .
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How We’re Working Together
Our partnership will focus on:
- Upskilling our staff and volunteers
- Improving the accessibility of our sites for all visitors
- Improving internal policies and processes to support members of staff and volunteers who may be affected by the condition
It will also see improvements at some of our places, from improved signage, facilities and modifications to materials used on paths and car parks. Well also be developing a range of dementia-friendly services such as cafés, tours and social events. Hosting awareness-raising activities and making improvements for those living with the disease will also build the case for more dementia-friendly communities.
” A number of our places are already offering great experiences for people living with dementia, and through this landmark partnership we aim to extend those benefits to many more people.”
Among the work already underway to support those with dementia is the creation of reminiscence experience sessions at the Backs to Backs in Birmingham which offer monthly tours of the historic houses to recreate what life was like for families in gone-by years. Wimpole in Cambridge also hosts the Farming Memories group, which encourages former farmers and agricultural workers with dementia to meet up and take part in farming activities.
How Does Alzheimers Disease Affect The Brain
The brain typically shrinks to some degree in healthy aging but, surprisingly, does not lose neurons in large numbers. In Alzheimers disease, however, damage is widespread, as many neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die. Alzheimers disrupts processes vital to neurons and their networks, including communication, metabolism, and repair.
At first, Alzheimers disease typically destroys neurons and their connections in parts of the brain involved in memory, including the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. It later affects areas in the cerebral cortex responsible for language, reasoning, and social behavior. Eventually, many other areas of the brain are damaged. Over time, a person with Alzheimers gradually loses his or her ability to live and function independently. Ultimately, the disease is fatal.
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We Move Alzheimers And Dementia Research Forward
- As the worldâs largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, the Alzheimerâs Association is dedicated to finding more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure while deepening our knowledge of brain health and prevention.
- The Alzheimerâs Association has awarded more than $350 million to Alzheimer’s research more than 2,300 scientists around the world have received funding through our International Research Grant Program.
Memory Loss & Other Symptoms Of Alzheimers
Trouble with memoryâspecifically difficulty recalling information that has recently been learnedâis often the first symptom of Alzheimerâs disease.
As we grow older, our brains change, and we may have occasional problems remembering certain details. However, Alzheimerâs disease and other dementias cause memory loss and other symptoms serious enough to interfere with life on day-to-day basis. These symptoms are not a natural part of getting older.
Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of memory loss. Many people have trouble with memory â this does NOT mean they have Alzheimer’s. There are many different causes of memory loss. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is best to visit a doctor so the cause can be determined.
In addition to memory loss, symptoms of Alzheimerâs include:
- Trouble completing tasks that were once easy.
- Difficulty solving problems.
- Changes in mood or personality withdrawing from friends and family.
- Problems with communication, either written or spoken.
- Confusion about places, people and events.
- Visual changes, such trouble understanding images.
Family and friends may notice the symptoms of Alzheimerâs and other progressive dementias before the person experiencing these changes. If you or someone you know is experiencing possible symptoms of dementia, it is important to seek a medical evaluation to find the cause.
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Alzheimers Treatment And Support
While there are currently no treatments available to slow or stop the brain damage caused by Alzheimerâs disease, several medications can temporarily help improve the symptoms of dementia for some people. These medications work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Help Is AvailableFind local programs and services through Alzheimerâs Australia.
Researchers continue to search for ways to better treat Alzheimer’s and other progressive dementias. Currently, dozens of therapies and pharmacologic treatments that focus on stopping the brain cell death associated with Alzheimer’s are underway.
In addition, having support systems in place and the use of non-pharmacologic behavioral interventions can improve quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers and families. This includes:
- Treatment of co-existing medical conditions
- Coordination of care among health care professionals
- Participation in activities, which can improve mood
- Behavioral interventions
- Education about the disease
How Is Alzheimers Disease Treated
Alzheimers is complex, and it is therefore unlikely that any one drug or other intervention will successfully treat it in all people living with the disease.
Scientists are exploring many avenues to delay or prevent the disease as well as to treat its symptoms. In ongoing clinical trials, scientists are developing and testing several possible interventions. Under study are drug therapies aimed at a variety of disease interventions, as well as nondrug approaches such as physical activity, diet, cognitive training, and combinations of these. Just as we have many treatments for heart disease and cancer, we will likely need many options for treating Alzheimers. Precision medicine getting the right treatment to the right person at the right time will likely play a major role.
Current approaches to treating Alzheimers focus on helping people maintain mental function, treating the underlying disease process, and managing behavioral symptoms.
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Holby Citys Dementia Storyline Shows The Complex Emotions After A Diagnosis
Alzheimers Society has supported BBCs Holby City on a dementia storyline featuring much-loved character, Carole Copeland.
Holby City character Carole Copeland, played by Julia Deakin, was diagnosed with vascular dementia earlier this year.
The programme will follow Caroles story in the coming months as her dementia progresses, highlighting key moments along her journey. Carole is supported in the show by her son Dom , who is a doctor at the hospital.
Alzheimers Society has worked with the programme’s team on the story, reviewing scripts and giving feedback to make sure the portrayal of dementia is accurate.
We spoke to Holby City producers Seán Gleeson and Ben Wadey about highlighting dementia on the show, and what they hope viewers will take away from the story.
Initially Carole Doesnt Disclose Her Dementia Diagnosis Whats Behind Her Decision
Ben Wadey : Caroles as proud a mum as you can get and she relishes the moments she gets to spend with her only son. So shes scared that telling him about her diagnosis will push him away, or that hell treat her differently.
Carole knows that in the coming months things will change forever so she decides to sit with the news for a bit first, and enjoy spending time with Dom before everything changes for them both.
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About Alzheimers And Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, an overall term for conditions that occur when the brain no longer functions properly. Alzheimerâs causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. In the early stage, dementia symptoms may be minimal, but as the disease causes more damage to the brain, symptoms worsen. The rate at which the disease progresses is different for everyone, but on average, people with Alzheimerâs live for eight years after symptoms begin.
While there are currently no treatments to stop Alzheimerâs disease from progressing, there are medications to treat dementia symptoms. In the past three decades, dementia research has provided a much deeper understanding of how Alzheimerâs affects the brain. Today, researchers are continuing to look for more effective treatments and a cure, as well as ways to prevent Alzheimerâs and improve brain health.
Singing For The Brain Rochdale
These singing groups are for people living with dementia and their family, friends, carers. A place to meet new people in a friendly, fun and social environment. Singing can help improve brain activity, health and mood.
Participants dont need to be good singers to benefit. Join us for fun vocal warm-ups and sing a wide variety of familiar and new songs in a supported environment. The group is hosted by Alzheimers Societys skilled, compassionate and experienced group leaders and volunteers.
Face to face sessions are to be held fortnightly on Thursday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30am.
At Castleton Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 3AF from Thursday 11th November 2021.
Online sessions are also available monthly across the wider Greater Manchester area, for those people unable to travel to groups.
To find out more and book a place
Contact: Ali Roberts
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Support For Families And Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers
Caring for a person with Alzheimers can have significant physical, emotional, and financial costs. The demands of day-to-day care, changes in family roles, and decisions about placement in a care facility can be difficult. NIA supports efforts to evaluate programs, strategies, approaches, and other research to improve the quality of care and life for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy. Programs that teach families about the various stages of Alzheimers and about ways to deal with difficult behaviors and other caregiving challenges can help.
Good coping skills, a strong support network, and respite care are other things that may help caregivers handle the stress of caring for a loved one with Alzheimers. For example, staying physically active provides physical and emotional benefits.
Some caregivers have found that joining a support group is a critical lifeline. These support groups enable caregivers to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips, and receive emotional comfort. Many organizations sponsor in-person and online support groups, including groups for people with early-stage Alzheimers and their families.
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