What is Dementia Action Week?

Dementia Action Week is an awareness raising campaign. Each year, the Alzheimer’s Society work with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to ‘act on dementia.’

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Starting this Monday from 15^th May onwards we will be sharing various tips and stories around the illness through our social media channels and start with a heartfelt recollection from a member of the team here at Quality Care Group.

Here is my experience as my ‘Grandma’ began to develop symptoms of Dementia:

My grandma was one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever known. With an IQ of 156 and a member of MENSA, she never forgot a thing and I used to love listening to all the stories she told of everything that had happened in her colourful life.

Her mother lived to be 103 and we all expected Grandma would too. For me, the first sign was her forgetting how to make gravy on Wednesday, something she had done multiple times a week for decades.

As it progressed, she used to get so frustrated with her forgetfulness and call herself stupid and then started to lose motivation to participate in anything.

I moved out so she could move in with our family so we could care for her. Her memory regressed to her younger years, and she repeated herself over and over. She could get quite agitated due to the confusion. Thankfully, my sister had previously worked as a carer and was able to share her knowledge of how to look after her with our family.

It’s a cruel illness that requires a lot of compassion and patience.

Here are a few facts around dementia

• Dementia can affect all aspects of a person's life, including relationships with family and friends.
• If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you will probably find that your relationships with others will change over time.
• If a member of your family or a friend has been diagnosed with dementia, or you are caring for someone with dementia, your relationship with that person will change.
• It is important to remember that everyone experiences dementia differently. But with the right help and support, relationships can still be positive and caring.

If you need dementia support, you can get personalised information, support and advice by calling 0333 150 3456.