Let’s Talk About Dementia

Age UK Hertfordshire understands a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming – and it may feel like everything has changed. But from understanding symptoms to finding the right care and support, our information can help you through.

Over 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia - that’s one in six people over 80. Dementia isn’t a disease in itself, it’s a term used to describe symptoms caused by other diseases that affect the brain. Knowing the type of dementia means treatment can be more specific to an individual’s needs.

By Mark Hanna, Chief Executive, Age UK Hertfordshire

We support over 15,000 older people in Hertfordshire each year through our services, aiming to help with mental and physical wellbeing.

The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s Disease which is a form of dementia that targets the part of the brain that controls memory, language and thought and Vascular Dementia which is the second most common type of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease. This type of dementia is caused when the brain becomes damaged due to lack of blood supply, for instance following a stroke.

There are many other, rarer, types of dementia such as dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and

Huntington’s disease may lead to someone developing dementia. Whether you’re already receiving support and you feel you need some more, you don’t currently feel supported or you would like to meet people who are going through a similar experience, Age UK Hertfordshire is here to help. We are part of Hertswise, community dementia support to people of all ages throughout Hertfordshire. This is delivered by a partnership of nine local charities and social enterprises through a variety of different services. We offer community-based support services for people living with dementia and their carers to improve their quality of life. Part of this is supporting the wellbeing and mental stimulation of people living with dementia through group programmes. Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) is a weekly one- to two-hour-long programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia.

Hertswise and Age UK Hertfordshire are supporting Dementia Action Week 15-21 May 2023.

To find out more information please contact 0300 345 3446 or info@ageukherts.org.uk

Or you can visit our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/our-services/hertswise

Group members take part in meaningful and stimulating activities, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new friendships.

After someone is diagnosed with dementia, they may be offered Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This is a short-term programme for people with mild to moderate dementia and usually runs twice weekly for seven weeks following diagnosis.

However once this programme finishes, there’s limited provision of services for people with mild to moderate dementia. MCST is a longer-term programme based in community settings which helps to fill this gap.

We can also arrange visits to your home to help you to maintain your social contacts and pursue your hobbies and interests.