Dementia Action Week 2022: Act on Dementia

Published on 16 May 2022 03:24 PM

The importance of a dementia diagnosis

The theme for Dementia Action Week 2022 is diagnosis. Jade who manages Islington Memory and Dementia Navigator Service, and Stephen, a Memory Nurse within the team speak about why Dementia diagnoses are so important. There's also an opportunity to meet members of the team at the Let's Talk Dementia session hosted by Islington Carers Hub - see further details below.

What are some common potential dementia symptoms that you might spot in yourself or a loved one?

Stephen: There are lots of potential early symptoms like noticing that you’re more forgetful. Planning and organising usual tasks in life can become more difficult, or maybe missing appointments.

Jade: Someone might struggle to tell or recall stories with the same level of detail that they used to. There could be speech and language issues – not being able to find the right words. People experiencing these changes might become snappy or irritated by them – so changes in personality is something to look out for too.

Why is early diagnosis so important?

Jade: Early diagnoses can help people and families plan for the future better and gives people more choice and control over the future. It means we can get preventative measures in place early so that dementia will have less of an impact, as well as managing other long term conditions that could make dementia worse.

Stephen: Having a memory assessment and support means that you can get support, share concerns with professionals and maximise wellbeing strategies

How can someone who is worried that a loved one might have dementia take steps towards diagnosis?

Stephen: Communication can be difficult but helps to start the process of accepting a possible diagnosis. Don’t hold back if you have any concerns, your GP would be your first point of contact. It’s really useful to jot down anything at all that doesn’t seem “quite right” – it all helps to assess the situation.

Jade: A diagnosis that isn’t dementia is also important – it means you can rule it out.

The Alzheimer’s Society have more information, advice and guidance around Dementia diagnosis and dementia symptoms.

Islington Carers Hub provides support for Islington unpaid carers including those who are looking after a partner, friend or family member with dementia.

Let's Talk Dementia: Thursday 19 May, 1.30-3pm

Islington Carers Hub & Islington Memory & Dementia Navigator Team

Hosted by Islington Carers Hub, you're invited to meet members of the Islington Memory and Dementia Navigator team and to ask any questions that you might have about dementia at this special Let's Talk Dementia session on Zoom.

This session is aimed at anyone interested in dementia - whether you want to know what to look out and how to recognise the early stages of dementia; tips on how to live well with dementia and how to care for yourself while supporting a loved one who is living with dementia.