It is estimated that there are around 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040*. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, national charity Alzheimer’s Society saw a 4.1% decrease in dementia diagnosis rates between February 2020 and June 2020. This suggests that there are thousands of people in the UK living with dementia without a diagnosis.

This week (Monday 16 May – Sunday 22 May 2022), marks Dementia Action Week. This is a national event run by Alzheimer’s Society, whose vision is a world without dementia. Alzheimer’s Society campaigns to increase awareness of dementia and improve the lives of those living with dementia, and funds research to find a cure. It is therefore a charity that is very close to our hearts, here at Right at Home Bedford

This Dementia Action Week we are running a week-long digital dementia awareness campaign on our social media channels, busting some common myths about dementia and providing tips for those caring for a loved one with dementia.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram to follow our week-long campaign.

We are also dispelling three of these common myths in our blog below, and sharing information on what we are doing to increase dementia awareness in Bedfordshire.

Myth one: Dementia is a disease

The terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are often used interchangeably but dementia is not a disease in its own right. Dementia is caused by different diseases that affect the brain and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common of these  There are lots of different types of dementia. Another common type is vascular dementia, which is caused by problems with blood supply to the brain.

Myth two: Dementia only affects memory loss 

Whilst dementia often begins with short-term memory loss, dementia is actually the umbrella name for a group of symptoms.  These symptoms commonly include problems with memory, thinking, problem solving, language and perception.  Different types of dementia cause damage to different parts of the brain

Myth three: After a dementia diagnosis, the only option is to move into a care home

If your loved one is diagnosed with dementia, with the right care and support they can continue living in the comfort of their own home.

In-home dementia care from a trained and trusted CareGiver can help alleviate the progression of symptoms. In addition, a regular routine and familiar home surroundings can reduce feelings of stress amongst people living with dementia.

A Right at Home Bedford CareGiver can also identify any potential issues and ensure the home environment remains safe

If you’re based in Bedfordshire and require support caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, contact our Bedford office team for information on how we can help on 01234 481 360.  

You can also pop into our local office in Kempston and meet our friendly for a confidential discussion. Read more about dementia homecare on our Alzheimer’s and Dementia  service page.

Other useful resources :

Local to Bedford:

• Tibbs Dementia Foundation
• Alzheimer’s Society’s guide to dementia risk factors and prevention
• Lewy Body Society UK – a registered charity in England and Wales
• Dementia UK – a registered charity in England, Wales and Scotland