Dementia Action Week 2023 takes place from 15th to 21st May. Created by the Alzheimer's Society, this campaign encourages us to 'act on dementia'.
Dementia describes symptoms affecting cognitive abilities. There are several types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, affecting 60-70% of dementia cases (World Health Organization). Around 900,000 people in the UK experience dementia (Alzheimer's Society). Researchers expect this to increase to 1.6 million people by 2040. There is currently no cure, but some treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
This year, Dementia Action Week focuses on encouraging people to seek a diagnosis. Many people choose not to seek a diagnosis due to denial, misconceptions and barriers to healthcare.
Advantage Accreditation supports the Alzheimer's Society in its campaign to increase diagnosis. Here are our tips on how to seek a diagnosis for yourself or someone you know:
Understand the importance of diagnosis
Early diagnosis provides time to make preparations for the future. Beginning treatments as soon as possible can help slow deterioration over time. Plus, the diagnosis means family members can access support groups and helpful resources.
Know the symptoms
Signs of dementia can include:
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Poor concentration
- Mood changes
- Self-neglect
- Weight loss
- Perception changes
- Sensory loss
- Depression
- Incontinence
- Behavioural changes
- Repetitive behaviours
- Communication difficulties
We recommend completing the Alzheimer's Society's symptom checklist and sharing this with your GP.
Prepare for the diagnosis process
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides a Dementia Pathway.
- It is believed the individual may have dementia
- Initial assessment in a non-specialist setting
- Diagnosis in a specialist diagnostic service
- Further tests for dementia sub-types
- Referral and support
- Management
Hear other people's stories
Click here to see people share first-hand dementia stories. This can help reduce feelings of fear and isolation. These stories show that it is possible to live a full life with dementia.
Advantage Accreditation supports training providers to deliver high-quality training on dementia. We provide ready-to-use courses, including:
- Level 2 Award in Dementia Awareness
- Level 2 Award in Managing Behaviours That Challenge in Dementia
If you would like to become an accredited centre with us, please enquire online.
