Dementia is a general term used to describe a range of illnesses with different symptoms that affect the brain. There are many kinds of dementia but the most common are Alzheimer's disease and Vascular Dementia. What all types of dementia have in common is that they damage brain cells, so that the brain cannot work as well as it should.
However, a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk of developing dementia, so keep your body healthy by eating well, being active, keeping a healthy weight and watching your blood pressure and cholesterol. Also don’t forget stress and anxiety, depression, lack of sleep and the side effects of some medicines can affect your memory.
You should seek advice if you have symptoms such as:
Dementia Together is a local service that aims to provide practical information for those curious or concerned about Dementia, along with support for people living with Dementia, their carers and healthcare professionals in Suffolk.
The service offers a personalised and individual response, aiming to offer advice and support to enable and empower people to understand Dementia, to live well with the condition, make their own choices and feel in control of their lives. The service offers a single point of contact for Dementia-related information and support so that people only have to tell their story once, no matter which stage of the illness they are at. Read more...
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If you or someone you know lives with dementia and feels like they need support, they can find local dementia support services nearby using the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Directory.
Sometimes it begins to affect our daily lives. If you are worried about your memory, speak to your GP. If someone you know is having problems remembering, encourage them to talk to their GP. The CMAS service can help. (link on image to view leaflet)
Side by Side is a new free service offered by Alzheimer’s Society in Norfolk and Suffolk, which helps people with dementia to keep doing the things they love with the support of a volunteer.
Confusion or forgetfulness does not mean you have dementia. Other conditions such as infections can cause similar problems, so visit your GP as soon as you can.
If your GP thinks the reasons for the symptoms are not clear or would benefit from further investigation, they may refer you on to a specialist service. Early diagnosis is so important and some treatments may be available which help some people with the symptoms of some forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Get the help and support you need. There is practical and emotional advice available providing options, including equipment, that can support you and your family with day-to-day living.
Ipswich and East Suffolk 01473 237301
West Suffolk 01284 766433
For advice contact Suffolk PALS: Tel. 0800 585544 or direct dial 01473 329110
or visit www.dementiawebsuffolk.org.uk
www.dementiafriends.org.uk