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Dementia Information

We want to ensure people experiencing dementia around Gloucestershire are informed, supported and comfortable. We hope this information hub will support individuals, families and carers who are supporting people with dementia. 

Whether you are at the beginning of your diagnosis, looking for ways to live better with Dementia or find ways to better support someone in your life, we hope to guide you to some of the best resources around Gloucestershire.

In the UK alone there are around 850,000 people living with dementia. Whilst dementia can affect younger people, it mainly affects people over the age of 65. Everyone's experience of dementia will be different. As with any illness, it is always best to talk to your GP about any early signs of changes you notice in yourself or a loved one. Whether you are experiencing dementia or are alongside someone who is, ensuring you have the support you need is hugely important. The information below shows ways Age UK Gloucestershire can help you, as well as the many other organisations who can provide specialist support.

Understanding Dementia - The types, signs and symptoms

We all have different understandings, experiences and expectations of Dementia. Dementia is caused when a disease damages the nerve cells in the brain. There are many different diseases which cause Dementia. You may be more familiar with some than others - Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia or Vascular Dementias are more common. Each type brings its own variations in symptoms, development and potential medical support, due to the specific area of the brain affected. Many of us are aware of the connection between memory loss and dementia. Yet there are many other symptoms to be aware of if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one.

Memory Difficulties This includes more than just memory loss, and can affect short and long term memory differently. Sometimes people may forget yesterday’s activities, but remember old stories about their life. They may mix up who they are talking about, find plans difficult to follow, muddle dates and times or they may not recognise familiar places.
Struggling with Communication This may make people slower to respond in conversations or say sentences which don’t quite make sense. Struggling to find the right word when speaking or not understanding what people are saying can be frustrating. If someone seems more angry than usual or as though they lose their temper much faster, this could be a sign that something is wrong.
Physical Ability  These changes may seem different from normal signs of ageing. You might spot changes to their handwriting, or that they aren’t able to enjoy their favourite hobby any more. People can also struggle to get dressed and coordinate their hands to use zips, buttons or laces.

The ways in which each person experiences dementia will be different. The different symptoms of dementia can impact someone’s personality, temperament and mood. They can alter how you may react in a situation, how you view yourself and others, or even change your approach to life in general. Increased anxiety, aggression and changes in emotions, can all be signs of dementia which may be misunderstood. If you live with, or care for someone showing signs of dementia, it may feel confusing and upsetting to be treated differently.

Further information from Age UK

Here you can find a more thorough list of symptoms, some main types of dementia and ways to reduce risks 
 

Dementia Symptoms Checklist

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, you can also use this symptom checklist to track the changes you are noticing. This can be a useful first step to start gathering information ready to take to your GP.

How we can help at Age UK Gloucestershire 

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can affect people in different ways. Whether you're experiencing dementia yourself or supporting someone who is, you may feel many different emotions as you progress from a dementia diagnosis. You may feel relief, to understand why things have been more difficult recently. You may feel uncertain about what to do next or how to talk to friends and family. It can easily feel overwhelming to have different medical, legal and financial advice on top of all these emotions.

 
Woman discussing paperwork with an older woman
 

Our Help Team

The team are here to provide information and advice to help you remain informed and confident as you go through later life. They can act as a first port of call for any worries, questions or help you need.

How the Help Team can support you

If you are struggling financially, our Help Team can help you to find any additional financial support you are entitled to. A dementia diagnosis may impact your work abilities, personal needs or adjustments to your home. These can both increase your daily costs but also reduce the money you have available. The Age UK Benefit Calculator can give you an estimation of the financial aid you may be entitled to, as well as guidance on how to apply.
 
 
If you struggle to complete this yourself, you can contact our Help Team to ask a member of the team to complete this for you. We also have a group of wonderful volunteers who can help you with applications for Attendance Allowance and Blue Badges.
 

Contact the Help Team

To hear more about how we can support you

Call us on 01452 422660, option 1
 
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Out of Hospital Team

If at any point you need to go into hospital, our Out of Hospital team can help to make sure your transition back home is as comfortable as possible. They are here to help you maintain your independence, signpost, refer and discuss what is important for you to live confidently once you are home.
 

Contact the Out of Hospital Team

To make a referral or find out more about the service

Call us on 01452 420937 or 420928
Becoming a carer for someone with dementia
If you will be caring for someone with dementia, you also need to be supported. Caring for someone can bring many special moments but also may bring challenges. We are also able to provide guidance to families, friends and carers, to ensure you feel comfortable and confident. Take a look at our carers' information page to hear from other carers around Gloucestershire and find the support available to you.
 

Take a look at the Age UK information guides 

Living with early stage dementia At home with dementia Caring for someone with dementia
Living with early stage dementia.PNG At home with dementia.PNG Caring for someone with dementia.PNG
From concerns and diagnosis
to support and future care		 Tips for making your home
dementia friendly		 Practical help and
emotional support for you

Find out more about all of the other organisations who can provide specialist support

Everyone’s experience of dementia is different but understanding the diagnosis, thinking about the future and ensuring everyone has the support they need can help to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
 
Thankfully there are many organisations locally and nationally researching dementia, providing information and support services.
 
The latest Gloucestershire Dementia Support Booklet is full of up to date information about events, groups, activities and services in Gloucestershire.
 
Download Gloucestershire Dementia Support Booklet
 
 

Local organisations