Dementia awareness Barbaras story Our future plans Dementia

Dementia awareness Barbara’s story

Our future plans • • • • Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms that may include: Memory loss Difficulties with concentrating, planning or organising Language Visuospatial skills Depression and anxiety Confusion Changes in behaviour and personality Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. Dementia is NOT an inevitable part of getting older. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way. Dementia doesn’t discriminate. People CAN live well with dementia!

Prevalence of Dementia in the UK • 850, 000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK (Dementia, UK, 2014). • There has been a 56% rise in the number of people diagnosed with dementia from 2010/11 to 2015/16 (NHS Digital, 2018). • 1 in 3 people born in the UK this year will develop dementia in their lifetime. • 1 in 14 people over 65 have dementia in the UK.

Prevalence of Dementia in the UK Be physically active: it’s good for the heart, circulation and mental wellbeing. Eat healthily: this may reduce the risk of developing dementia as well as cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke and heart disease. Don’t smoke: if you smoke, you’re putting yourself at a much higher risk of developing dementia in later life. Drink less alcohol: drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of developing dementia. Exercise your mind: keeping your mind active may help lower a person’s risk of dementia.

Barbara’s story • • A training programme launched by Guy’s and St Thomas’ in September 2012. Follows Barbara’s healthcare journey as her dementia gradually advances. Emotional – if you need to leave, please don’t hesitate. The principles of caring, compassion, respecting others and acting with integrity apply to ALL our patients. ROH Dementia Strategy 2016 -19 Develop a skilled and effective workforce to champion compassionate, safe, personal and effective care ROH Dementia Strategic Objectives Refresh our approach to communication by listening, involving and engaging people with dementia and their carer/ familiy to improve dementia care. Become a 'dementia friendly' organisation with environments that promote better outcomes, reducing episodes of avoidable harm for patients with dementia.

Questions? Feel free to contact your Dementia Leads for advice and support Talk to your ROH Dementia leads: • Dr Martin Goodman, Dementia Clinical Lead. • Sue Cox, Dementia Lead Nurse Check the Dementia support page on the intranet. Visit www. alzheimers. org. uk