New Campaign Launched In Wales: Are You Worried About Your Memory?

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 18 Jun 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Alzheimer's Society launches a new public information campaign in Wales to raise awareness of dementia, its symptoms and the importance of getting an early diagnosis.

Called Worried About Your Memory?, the campaign will prompt and help people to consider if their forgetfulness, or that of a friend or relative, is due to just poor memory or the beginning of a medical problem and encourage them to seek medical advice.

Currently 37,000 people in Wales live with dementia and by 2021 over 48,000 will have the condition. One in three people over the age of 65 will die with it.

However, up to two thirds of people with dementia never receive a diagnosis because they either don't recognise the symptoms or report them to their GP. And for those who do, it takes an average of nearly three years for a diagnosis from first noticing symptoms, denying people with dementia early and appropriate care and support.

Ian Thomas, Director of Alzheimer's Society in Wales, says:

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges confronting our society as we face an ageing population. Yet there is an acute lack of awareness and understanding of dementia amongst the public, including those who are affected by it, as well as those in health and community services.

By encouraging people who are worried about their memory problems to seek medical advice sooner than they might have done, we hope more people with dementia can get important practical, emotional and medical care early on, giving them a greater chance to live life as well and as fully as possible.

Dr Tony Bayer, Director of the Cardiff Memory Team at Llandough Hospital, says:

I fully support Alzheimer's Society's 'Worried about your Memory?' campaign. Identifying the symptoms of dementia early is crucial in order to trigger prompt and appropriate health and social care support. Being better informed should encourage people to visit their doctors sooner, meaning a speedier diagnosis, and in turn, a better quality of life for people with dementia and their families.

Every GP in Wales will also be given a diagnostic tool in the form of a CD Rom to help inform and support their diagnosis decisions and to help support patients and their families following a positive diagnosis.

According to a recent study by the National Audit Office, only 30 per cent of GP's feel that they have enough basic information and training to diagnose and manage dementia.

Although memory problems are common, and factors such as age, tiredness, stress, depression and some physical illnesses can affect it, Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people to seek advice and help if the following occur:

- It's a struggle to remember recent events, although it's easy to recall things that happened in the past
- It's hard to follow conversations or TV programmes
- Regularly forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects
- Inability to recall things heard, seen or read
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Repeat themselves in conversation or lose the thread of what they are saying
- Have problems thinking and reasoning
- Feel anxious and depressed or angry about their forgetfulness
- Find that other people start to comment on their forgetfulness.

Anyone concerned about their memory, or that of a friend of relative, should speak to their GP or contact Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Helpline - 0845 300 0336 (8.30am-6.30pm, Monday to Friday) which is staffed by trained advisers.

Notes

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single illness but a group of symptoms caused by different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function. These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe.

There are more than 100 different types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed in the UK. Others include vascular dementia and mixed dementia.

The causes

Age and medical history are risk factors, others such as diet, exercise and lifestyle are thought to have an influence too. High blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol and diabetes can increase the chances of developing vascular dementia. One person in every 14, aged over 65, in the UK has dementia. This rises to one in six people over 80.

The symptoms

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Dementia is a terminal condition.

Treatments

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia. However, there is treatment and support available which can sometimes lessen the symptoms and an early diagnosis can help make these more effective.

Ways to help yourself if you do have memory problems

- Keep track of things by making 'to do' lists
- Break up tasks into bite-sized chunks to make them more manageable
- Try to do one thing at a time
- Try to have a routine to give structure to the day
- Take your time
- Use clocks, wear a watch, put up a calendar and think about taking a dailynewspaper to help you keep track of time
- Keep a diary to note down appointments and other important things to remember
- Use sticky-backed notes to help remind you of things to do
- Keep important things such as money, keys or spectacles in the same place so you always know where to find them
- Keep important phone numbers by the phone
- Arrange to pay regular bills by direct debit or standing order

Ways to help reduce the risk of developing dementia

Research into the risk factors for dementia is ongoing, but it is known that age and medical history are risk factors and others such as diet, exercise and lifestyle can also play a part.

- Cut down on salt: salt can increase blood pressure, a risk factor in developing dementia. Don't add it to food and try to buy low salt versions of prepared food
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables to get the full range of vitamins and minerals and limit the amount of high-fat and sugary food eaten
- Be active for 30 minutes at least five times a week. Walking, dancing, gardening and housework will keep you fit
- Get your cholesterol checked
- Watch your weight as increased weight can lead to a risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health.

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. It has 21 branches across all parts of Wales. Through campaigning and lobbying it works to influence government policies and raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with dementia and the people who care for them. And through its research programme work to improve the knowledge available about dementia and its treatment - pursuing the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

The Worried About Your Memory? campaign has been made possible in Wales thanks to support from Eisai Ltd, Novartis Ltd, Pfizer Ltd and Shire Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Alzheimer's Society