dementia, dementia, dementia

The Dementia word seems to be everywhere. My life seems saturated by Dementia right now. Today, at work, it was my turn to facilitate at the local dementia advisory clinic. Tonight, I'm off to my mums (as I do every alternate night) to chat, give her night time meds and reassure her before tucking her up in bed.

I am but one of half a million people in the country who are informal carers to the 700,000 people who have this illness. And if you don't know already, these figures will more than double in the next 30 years.

Dementia doesn't discriminate, it can affect anyone, and despite on-going reports the prospect of prevention or cure is still a long way off.

Nevertheless, those with the illness can lead better, fulfilling lives. Never underestimate how much people with even quite advanced dementia can do, and can understand; if they are treated as valued individuals; if they are approached at the right time and in the right way; and if they and their carers are given sympathetic support.


Rant over.









u n d e r t o n e s