Dementia Awareness Week: 16th-22 May

Monday, 16 May 2022 07:00

This week The Alzheimer’s Society based in Bucks are highlighting the importance of diagnosis with their ‘symptoms checklist’, and celebrating the launch of their Dementia Connect service.

They're rolling it out across Bucks having been awarded the contract by Buckinghamshire Council in partnership with Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

It comes as across Bucks there are more than 7,690 people estimated to be living with dementia, but some are putting off a diagnosis because they think memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or are just too afraid.

Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging anyone concerned that they or someone close to them may be experiencing signs of dementia, to reach out to the charity for support.

Through the Dementia Connect service, people can speak to the charity’s expert dementia advisers, who are on hand to offer both practical and emotional support for anyone affected by dementia.

Nicole Palmer, Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect Local Services Manager for Bucks, said: “This Dementia Action Week we are highlighting the importance of getting a timely diagnosis, which can help people to manage symptoms and avoid ending up in crisis.

“The sooner someone has a diagnosis, the sooner they can plan for the future and unlock the door to further care and support – helping them and their family to live well with dementia.”

An official launch of the service will be taking place at Aylesbury Library at 2pm on Tuesday 17 May. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be available.

To access their new online ‘symptoms checklist’, visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

Photo credit: Alzheimer’s Society