UNderstanding Dementia
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a collective term for over 400 conditions, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prominent.
These conditions are characterised by symptoms that impair memory, thinking, problem-solving, and language abilities, significantly impacting everyday life.
Recognising the Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia affects people in varied ways, depending on the nature of their condition and the areas of the brain affected.
Common symptoms include:
Types of Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Affecting the front and sides of the brain, FTD leads to changes in personality, behaviour, and language comprehension. It tends to occur at a younger age than other types of dementia.
Vascular Dementia
Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, vascular dementia can lead to problems with planning, reasoning, and memory. Symptoms often emerge suddenly after a stroke or gradually due to smaller blood vessel damage.
Alzheimer's Disease
The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's, gradually impairs memory and cognitive functions. Early signs might be subtle but progressively lead to significant changes in personality, memory, and the ability to carry out daily activities.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
DLB is notable for symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease, such as movement difficulties and tremors. Cognitive symptoms can fluctuate, presenting a complex challenge for diagnosis and management.
Our Workshops
We are currently in the process of developing a comprehensive range of workshops tailored to meet the needs of both caregivers and those they care for. These workshops will provide practical advice, emotional support, and coping strategies to help you navigate the challenges of dementia care. Planned workshops include:
For People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Caring for Dementia Carers: A workshop focusing on communication techniques, understanding dementia's impact, managing stress and conflict, and planning for future needs. This workshop will offer caregivers an opportunity to learn and share in a supportive environment.
Looking at the Future for Dementia Carers: This workshop will help caregivers prepare for future decisions, including understanding care options and managing transitions.
Self-Care Strategies: A one-day workshop designed to help caregivers manage their role alongside other life commitments, offering tools for wellbeing and stress management.
For Community Members and Organisations
Our dementia awareness workshops aim to educate the General Public, local businesses and other community or voluntary organisations about dementia, to promote greater empathy and understanding. These sessions are geared towards creating a supportive environment for those affected by dementia, covering topics such as:
- Becoming a 'Dementia Friend'
- Creating dementia friendly business environments
- Effective Communication for Carers: Enhancing the ability to communicate needs clearly and effectively, building trust, and managing conflicts
- Managing Grief for Carers: Providing support for dealing with grief, including understanding the grief process and finding ways to cope.
