Alzheimer's Society

😜 ‘You’re sarcastic aren’t you?’ ‘Oh, I know, but it’s right, isn’t it?’ 💙 Finding an activity to share with someone living with dementia isn’t always easy. That’s why we love, love, love Cognitive Books. Author Matt and his wonderful dad, Brian, share some memories of classic Coronation Street, sparking conversation and some reminiscing for Brian. Which is exactly what these books are designed to do! Earlier this week, you’ll have seen us talking about ‘looking back at… The 1966 World Cup’. But, if you or your loved one is more telly addict than footie fanatic, they might enjoy the new volume, ‘looking back at… Classic Coronation Street. What films, TV, music or big events get your loved one chatting? Let us know in the comments. ITV #CoronationStreet #ITV

🏆 Alzheimer’s Society has won Gold in Best Approach to Supporting Vulnerable Customers (In-house) at the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards 2024! It is of paramount importance to us that people living with dementia have the best experience when they contact us, with their needs front and centre. Alzheimer’s Society and FourNet worked together to ensure that we were able to deliver this service, so this is a huge achievement for both parties. This award is an indication that we’re on the right track and motivates us to keep improving and refining our practices so people living with dementia and their loved ones experience a tailored service that they deserve. We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award, and it goes without saying that we will always put people living with dementia at the heart of everything we do.

Hey, Keir Starmer - people affected by dementia had a few questions. We asked people to tell us what questions they wanted to ask you. And today we brought them to your doorstep. If you were in central London today, you might have spotted our digivan visiting key London landmarks in the Prime Minister’s constituency, with questions from just a few of the millions of people affected by dementia across the UK: ‘Is it acceptable that a third of people with dementia don’t even get a diagnosis?’ ‘Why does it take over three years for someone to get a dementia diagnosis after symptoms start?’ ‘Why are less than a third of care workers trained in dementia care?’ Dementia is a hidden crisis in the UK, and we’re determined to bring it out from behind closed doors. Together let’s make sure dementia gets the attention it deserves.

If you could ask the Prime Minister one question about dementia, what would it be? If you’ve been affected by dementia, you probably have lots of questions – from how we can help people get a diagnosis sooner, to how carers are being supported, to what the future looks like for everyone affected. Ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions tomorrow, share your questions in the comments 👇

‘By 2pm every day, my brain starts to shut down.’ Lorraine Brown shares why she calls sundowning her ‘twilight zone’ and how it affects her. ‘For me, it does not have any connection with the sun going down or the time of day or season. This is why I call it my ‘twilight zone’ rather than sundowning. ‘The first sign is that I start to salivate and need to dab the sides of my mouth. I become quiet, unsteady and struggle to understand people. ‘I’m told that my eyes glaze over and I'm hit by extreme tiredness. ‘It’s like being in an alternative universe where nothing quite makes sense. I'm in the here and now, but I also feel like a zombie. I have nanosecond flashes of things, words, faces, sounds and places, that are sometimes connected, sometimes not. ‘Since I was first diagnosed with young-onset familial Alzheimer's disease in 2014, my twilight zone has changed. But I have worked out strategies to cope with it. ‘When I’m aware of the twilight zone beginning, it’s vital that I find a quiet sanctuary and rest. ‘I do this to preserve my dignity – I don’t like people to see me in my twilight zone. ‘It doesn’t have to be my actual home, but I am most comfortable here because I’ve taken precautions to protect myself against the effects. These include having a gate at the top of the stairs to prevent falls and a smart home device to aid my awareness of who, when and where I am. ‘Those closest to me know how to respond to my twilighting. They recognise the signs. They know to get me to a calm place without any fuss or drama. ‘I now need two hours or more of rest and sleep to feel more in the here-and-now. But it varies so much. ‘How I spend the rest of the day depends on how I’m feeling – whatever I do, it’s important that I’m safe. ‘Occasionally, despite my best efforts, I may still be in the twilight zone possibly until the next day. ‘When this happens, I stay in my safe space and do very little, maybe just potter around. ‘If by reading this, someone realises that sundowning affects a person they know with dementia, I will have made a difference. It’s important for me to talk about it and raise awareness.’

When receiving a dementia diagnosis for yourself or someone close to you, there is a lot of new information to take in and process all at once. This can make you feel upset or angry, and you’re bound to have lots of questions. We asked members of our community to share the questions they had when they first received a diagnosis for themselves or someone close, to show it’s totally normal to ask questions. However you feel, it’s natural and it is okay to give yourself time to process your feelings. But you’re not alone. Once you feel ready, we’re here for you.

Family and friends are the backbone of support for people living with dementia, however the impact of being a carer is huge. 43% of carers said it has put a strain on their relationship, 26% feel like they have lost their identity, and 32% of parents aged 25-34 spend less time with their children If you’re caring for someone with dementia, it’s important you know your rights and where to get support. Anyone who cares for a person with dementia is entitled to an assessment of their needs as a carer.⁣ Our team of dementia advisers are on hand to offer expert advice, tailored information, and support by guiding you through the complicated maze of health and social care services.⁣ If you’re a carer for someone living with dementia, we're here for you. Call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

‘There’s such a strong tie, I almost don’t want to leave. I see something like a clock that my nan would have had in her house, and it gives me such a warm feeling.' In this latest episode of Dementia Together Podcast, we speak to Debbie from Wales who is living with young-onset dementia. Debbie, a history enthusiast, has been contributing to the Museums Inspiring Memories project – an exciting partnership between Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, funded by the The National Lottery Community Fund, which aims to help museums in Wales be more inclusive and involving.

With a cold snap forecasted to hit the UK in the next few days, it’s important to make sure that we’re looking out for our loved ones living with dementia. After a mild autumn, this sudden cold spell could be challenging for the almost one million people living with dementia across the UK. They may find it difficult to adjust, and they may not always be able to communicate that they are cold – or they might not even recognise it themselves. Perception issues can also make it difficult for someone with dementia to see icy patches on a pavement or understand that a surface may be extra slippery, so they may need to take extra care in snow and ice. So make sure to check in regularly on loved ones, friends and neighbours living with dementia, and follow our seven useful tips to help support them through the winter. And if you need practical advice, emotional support, or guidance, call our dementia support line on 0333 150 3456.

‘As a national charity, safeguarding is embedded into all that we do.’ This Adults Safeguarding Week our Quality Safeguarding Manager, Teresa Batty, explores our commitment to safeguarding polices and procedures and how we embed these into our organisation. Teresa also shares look at the internal daily events taking place this week, designed to help establish safer cultures within our workplace communities and keep our people safe from abuse and neglect, both internally and externally.