We’re Dementia Friends
Chris Broome – Chartered Financial Planner
Over the past few years we’ve unfortunately seen a gradual increase in friends, clients, and professional connections being impacted by dementia.
Whether it’s been them affected personally, or a loved one, or a colleague, there’s no denying the overwhelming shock and emotion one will naturally feel.
To ensure that both Longhurst and our team are fully equipped to provide caring and practical support during these times, we partnered up with the Alzheimer’s Society to become a Dementia Friend.
Our article today explains more.
What is dementia?
Dementia is caused by a number of diseases that affect the brain. The most common is Alzheimer’s but diseases also include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Pick’s disease.
Different types of dementia affect the brain at different rates and in different ways, but other things like someone’s personal circumstances, the people around them and the environment in which they live, will affect their experience of dementia. Dementia progresses in a way that is unique to each individual.
The word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.
It is true that more people over 65 have dementia but it is not exclusively an older person’s disease; younger people get dementia too.
What is a Dementia Friend?
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia.
It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about the condition.
A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.
Too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with.
Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.
What does a Dementia Friend do?
Dementia Friends help people living with dementia by taking actions – both big and small.
These actions don’t have to be time-consuming. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts!
Dementia Friends can also get involved with things like volunteering, campaigning or wearing a badge to raise awareness.
A great book to read
If you or a loved one is currently facing dementia we can recommend a fantastic book resource by author Jane Mullins, called ‘Finding the light in dementia’.
We have a small collection of these books which we gift to clients and connections. If you’d like one sent out to you just let us know.
Alternatively, you can purchase them yourself through the authors website – https://www.findingthelightindementia.com/.
Summary
Facing a life with dementia is daunting and, at times, very scary.
Please be assured though that you’re not alone.
Whether its engaging with the Alzheimer’s Society.
Or reading an insightful book.
Or talking to a Dementia Friend.
We all have your back and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
