Memory Loss and Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. Early stage symptoms include memory loss, problems with thinking, poor orientation, changes in mood or emotion, visual-perceptual difficulties and problems with language/communication. There are many conditions which cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Many people at the early stage of dementia stay largely independent and only require a small amount of assistance with daily living. It is important to focus on what the person can do by themselves and seek assistance if needed.
Early diagnosis of dementia can be very important as it can provide the opportunity for future care and treatment. It allows people to plan while they are still able to make important decisions on their care and support needs and on financial and legal matters. It also helps them and their families to receive practical information, advice and guidance as they face new challenges.
The Very Brief Intervention section below is targeted towards improving early diagnoses and treatment. This section also includes a section on dementia risk reduction.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
How would you describe your memory at the moment?
Have you forgotten anything related to your normal day to day activities?
- We all forget things from time to time but has this increased?
How would you describe your ability to concentrate on daily/regular tasks?
How would you describe your ability to find the right words in your daily conversations?
Have you ever found yourself getting lost easily in an area you know well?
Can you remember events clearly from years ago but sometimes not remember who you saw this morning?
Is there times where you have misplaced items that then turn up in strange places?
Can I ask you some questions about the person?
Have you noticed changes in your loved one's behaviour or personality?
Is your loved one asking the same question repeatedly or telling you the same thing over and over again?
Do you often find they have misplaced items that then turn up in strange places , i.e. your purse in the fridge or glasses in the microwave?
Are they unsure about typical tasks such as making a cup of tea? Getting dressed?
Do you often find that they can remember events clearly from years ago but can't remember who they saw this morning?
Assist
If the person is worried about their memory, or think they may have dementia, encourage them to see a GP.
- Reassure the person that getting a diagnosis gives you and your family the best chance to prepare for the future
If you are worried about the person
If you're worried about someone else's memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP and perhaps suggest that you go with them.
There are lots of organisations who can help with support and advice, would you like some further information on this?
Act
The NHS
It's normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines. But if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia. Memory loss can be annoying if it happens occasionally, but if it's affecting your daily life, or it's worrying you, or someone you know, you should get help from a GP.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/diagnosis/
The Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. You can contact their dementia advisers using the telephone number below.
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Website and guides : https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
The dementia guide: Living well after your diagnosis
Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide
Dementia UK
Looking for information or advice about dementia or Alzheimer’s. Please make contact with Dementia UK. Their Helpline provides support from dementia specialist and admiral nurses.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
Email: helpline@dementiauk.org
Website: Specialist support to families facing dementia | Dementia UK
TIDE - Together In Dementia Everyday
Tide aims to connect, mobilise and enable carers of people with dementia to recognise their own value and contributions to society. Offering carers opportunities to use their individual and collective experiences of caring to influence policy and practise.
Telephone: 0151 237 2669
Email: carers@tide.uk.net
Website: Together in dementia everyday. When no one else was here for me, tide were beside me
Carers UK
Are you caring for a family member or someone else close to you? We are here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support and campaign to make life better for carers.
Telephone: 0808 808 7777
Email: advice@carersuk.org
Website: Carers UK
Age UK
Age UK is the leading charity for older people. Visit Age UK today for a wide range of information and advice including a specific section on dementia support. You can use the service finder on their website to find local Age UK support near you.
Telephone: 0800 678 1602
Website: Age UK | The UK's leading charity helping every older person who needs us
Self-Care
We can’t change our age or our genes, and there is currently no way we can completely prevent dementia. However, there are some simple steps we can all take to help lower our risk.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like high blood pressure and stroke) are also risk factors for dementia, so what is good for your heart is good for your brain. Looking after your health, cutting out smoking and being physically active on a regular basis will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s likely you’ll be lowering your risk of dementia too, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For good heart health: don’t smoke, keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control be active and exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy balanced diet, drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Website: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/reducing-the-risk/
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide and put together useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
This form is to record information about the person you care for; this will be used by the police and search teams in the event that the person goes missing. Wherever possible, complete the form in advance and keep in a safe place to give to the police in the event of the person going missing. The contents of this form will help the search teams gather relevant information and begin searching. Recording this information ahead of time and keeping it regularly updated will greatly reduce any stress associated with trying to recall detailed information in an emergency situation. If possible, please also attach a clear and recent head and shoulders photograph to this form.
If the person you care for goes missing: Phone 999 without delay
Complete the ‘Missing now’ section of the Herbert Protocol form as best you can.
Hand the form to the police when they attend your location.
Website: Click here to access The Devon and Cornwall Police Herbert Protocol Form
Local Support and Contact Details
Cornwall Memory Service - NHS
The service is run by specially trained memory assessment practitioners which includes nurses, doctors and occupational therapists. They will use a variety of assessment tools to measure different aspects of a patient’s cognitive function, such as how they perceive, register, store, retrieve and use information.
They are also able to organise brain scans which may help diagnosis and rule out any other causes of memory loss.
Website: Dementia and older people’s mental health | Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Referral Method: GP referral only
Cornwall Memory Café Network
The Memory Café Network is made up of our café hosts, volunteers, and the committee. The Memory Cafe's are a place where any one with memory loss and their carer or family members may find support and a signpost to more formal help if so desired.
To find a local memory café near you, click the link below.
Website: Home - Cornwall Memory Cafe Network (cornwallmemorycafes.co.uk)
Sensory Trust
The Sensory Trust is a leading authority on inclusive and sensory design. They use nature and the outdoors to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with disability and health issues, their families and carers. They work throughout the UK and share our approaches internationally with a wide network of organisations and individuals.
Telephone: 01726 222900
Email: enquiries@sensorytrust.org.uk
Website: Sensory Trust | Care and Support in Cornwall
Address: Fig Leaf Building, Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Referral Method: Self-referral
Memory Matters
Memory Matters are champions of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST); a therapy proven to slow the progression of dementia and increase the quality of life. They work closely with like-minded individuals and organisations to achieve their goal of ensuring that every person diagnosed with dementia, as well as those close to them, has access to the support they need to continue to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
Telephone: 01752 243 333 (Ring this number for Cornwall referrals) Mon-Thu 10am to 4pm
Email: hello@memorymatters.org.uk
Website: Support in Cornwall | Memory Matters
Referral Method: Self-referral
NHS Royal Devon University Healthcare
Committed to providing the very best care possible for patients with dementia and delirium at the Royal Devon. Staff are trained to understand and support people with these conditions, providing kind, compassionate and considerate care. Other information and services available via the website below.
Telephone: North Devon 01271 313998 or East Devon 01392 411611
Address(s):
- North Devon district Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4JB
- Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 5DW
Website: NHS Royal Devon | Dementia
Referral Method: Via Medical Professional
Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service
Their dementia support workers offer information and practical guidance to help you understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges, and prepare for the future. They offer information to people who are worried about their memory and ongoing support to people affected by dementia face to face, over the phone or in writing. For residents of Devon and Torbay who pay their council tax to Devon County Council or Torbay Council.
Telephone: 0300 123 2029
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: devon@alzheimers.org.uk
Website: Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service
Referral Method: Self-referral for people with Dementia and their carers, family and friends
Pinpoint Devon
Pinpoint Devon provides an extensive list of support services for individuals living with Dementia and their families. Click on the link below and search for 'dementia support’
Website: https://services.pinpointdevon.co.uk/
Devon County Council - Support for adults living with dementia
It is estimated that over 13,000 people are living with dementia in Devon. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory, contact your, or their GP. The GP may then refer you to a Memory Clinic for diagnoses, treatment and support with dementia.
Telephone: 0345 155 1007 (Adult Social Care- Devon)
Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/services-for-people-with-dementia
Referral Method: Self-referral
Devon Carers
Devon Carers believes that carers should be acknowledged as experts in care for their loved one and it is their role to support you in your caring role. they offer a wide range of support for carer's of people living with dementia. See their website below for more information.
Telephone: 03456 434 435
Opening Hours: Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday 9am – 1pm. Closed on Sundays and bank holidays
Email: info@devoncarers.org.uk
Website: Devoncarers.org.uk
Referral Method: Self-referral
Unite - Carers in Mid Devon
Carers may come into the office for advice or talk about difficulties or problems. Their overall aim is to provide support, information and activities for the benefit of unpaid Carers of any age, who look after someone who depends on them.
Telephone: 01884 257511 (There is an answerphone service for messages outside office hours)
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 1pm by appointment
Email: info@unitemd.org.uk
Website: Unite Carers in Mid Devon | Supporting unpaid carers since 2003
Address: 2 Bridge Street, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 5LY
Referral Method: Self-referral
Dementia Advisor Service (Livewell Southwest)
They provide support, information and guidance to people with dementia or cognitive impairment and their carers. They help people to maintain their independence and wellbeing and provide ongoing support after a diagnosis and they also provide support for people worried about their memory.
Telephone: 01752 435 358 9am to 5pm weekdays
Email: livewell.dementiaadvisorservice@nhs.net
Website: Dementia Advisor Service | Livewell Southwest
Referral Method: Self-referral, families, carers or any health or social care professional
Moments Café and Dementia Information Hub
Safe place to meet, eat and socialise. Free advice services located above café. The interior is designed to ignite conversation, therefore created different eras 1950’s,60’s,70’s and 80’s. Customers can choose which time zone they sit in and reminisce. The Memory Matters Hub is staffed by Memory Matters, specialists in providing workshops, respite and activity sessions for people living with dementia. The hub also provides on-the-spot free support to anyone needing more information or support in anything to do with memory loss or dementia and you don't have to make an appointment.
Telephone: 01752 219810 (Café) Mon-Sat 9:30am to 4pm, closed Sundays or 01752 243333 (Hub) Mon-Thu 10am to 4pm
Email: hello@memorymatters.org.uk
Website: Moments Café | A café with a conscience (moments-cafe.com)
Address: 69a New George Street, Plymouth, PL1 1RJ
Referral Method: Self-referral
Caring for Carers (Improving Lives Plymouth)
If you’re over 18 and look after a partner, family member, or friend with an illness or disability, you can ask for a carer’s assessment to look at how caring affects you and the sort of help you need. They provide; information and advice, drop-in/support groups, leisure and social activities, workshops/training, carers card discounts and regular newsletters.
Telephone: 01752 201 890
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, closed on all Bank Holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year
Email: caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
Website: Caring for Carers - Improving Lives Plymouth
Address: Improving Lives Plymouth, 156 Mannamead Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL3 5QL
Referral method: Self-referral or via professional
Plymouth Online Directory
The Plymouth Online Directory provides useful information about the signs and symptoms of dementia as well as links to further support.
Website: Dementia - Plymouth Online Directory
NHS Royal Devon University Healthcare
Committed to providing the very best care possible for patients with dementia and delirium at the Royal Devon. Staff are trained to understand and support people with these conditions, providing kind, compassionate and considerate care. Other information and services available via their website below.
Telephone: 01392 411611
Address: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 5DW
Website: NHS Royal Devon | Dementia
Referral Method: Via Medical Professional
Devon Memory Service- Torbay, South and West Devon
The Devon Memory Service has clinics in three locations across Devon – Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple. Following a referral from your GP, they will assess you to try to find out why you are having memory problems and if it could be the early stages of a dementia - such as Alzheimer’s disease. Whatever the diagnosis, they will give you the information, support and treatment that you need to help you to live well and independently.
Telephone: 01803 396520
Email: dpn-tr.SouthDevonMemoryService@nhs.net
Website: Devon Memory Service - Torbay, South and West Devon | DPT
Referral Method: Via GP
Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service
Their dementia support workers offer information and practical guidance to help you understand dementia, cope with day-to-day challenges, and prepare for the future. They offer information to people who are worried about their memory and ongoing support to people affected by dementia face to face, over the phone or in writing. For residents of Devon and Torbay who pay their council tax to Devon County Council or Torbay Council.
Telephone: 0300 123 2029
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: devon@alzheimers.org.uk
Website: Devon and Torbay Dementia Adviser Service
Referral Method: Self-referral for people with Dementia and their carers, family and friends
Pinpoint Devon
Pinpoint Devon provides an extensive list of support services for individuals living with Dementia and their families. Click on the link below and search for 'dementia support’
Website: https://services.pinpointdevon.co.uk/
Devon County Council - Support for adults living with dementia
It is estimated that over 13,000 people are living with dementia in Devon. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory, contact your, or their GP. The GP may then refer you to a Memory Clinic for diagnoses, treatment and support with dementia.
Telephone: 0345 155 1007 (Adult Social Care- Devon)
Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/services-for-people-with-dementia
Referral Method: Self-referral
Devon Carers
Carers are at the heart of everything we do. They are continuously looking at ways they can improve their service, acting upon advice and feedback from carers as well as professionals. They believe that carers should be acknowledged as experts in care for their loved one and it is their role to support you in your caring role.
Telephone: 03456 434 435
Opening Hours: Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday 9am – 1pm. Closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Email: info@devoncarers.org.uk
Website: Devoncarers.org.uk
Referral Method: Self-referral