InformationSpotlight on... dementia

It's normal for our memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if it's affecting daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP. Dementia can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave. This is not a natural part of ageing.

Dementia is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes, and many different types including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Dementia mainly affects older people, although it can sometimes develop earlier, presenting different issues for the person affected, their carer and their family.

It’s estimated that one in three people with dementia do not have a diagnosis. Diagnosis is vital to give people access to the care, treatment and support they need. Although there is currently no cure, an early diagnosis can slow down progress in some cases.

Safe, reliable, evaluated information:
Devon County Council has collated advice here: Worried about your memory? Access support and advice in Devon

Dementia-NHS offers information for people with dementia and their families and friends. It explains about dementia, symptoms and diagnosis, living with dementia, and care & support.

Alzheimer's Society website offers help and information on how to get a dementia diagnosis, the benefits of getting a diagnosis, tips for talking to a GP about dementia. If you're worried, get help describing your symptoms to a GP by filling in this symptoms checklist.

If you’d like to connect and talk with other people affected by dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Society online community Talking Point forum. If you want more help you can call the Alzheimer’s Society Helpline on 0333 150 3456.

Dementia UK is a specialist dementia nursing charity for the whole family. Admiral Nurses provide free, life-changing support and advice to anyone affected by dementia. You can speak to an Admiral Nurse on Dementia UK’s Helpline, on 0800 888 6678.

Reading Well for dementia recommends helpful reading and digital resources for people living with dementia, their carers and families, including younger children. Look for the Reading Well for dementia books in your local library – they’re free to borrow.

Devon Memory Cafes are local, friendly dementia support groups which aim to support people living with dementia and their carers through the Memory Cafe movement. Most of East Devon’s towns have a Memory Café: Find your nearest memory cafe

See also our spotlight pages for Unpaid Carers information and loneliness and isolation.