Dementia info
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The Alzheimers Disease Society gives info about Dementia - the causes, types etc. Dementia primarily affects older people, but there are some types which occur in younger people - see CANDID site.
Symptoms of Dementia may include the following:
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changes in behaviour |
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changes in mood - depression is sometimes confused with dementia |
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confusion and disorientation |
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loss of ability to perform everyday tasks |
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personality changes |
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forgetfulness - not just of simple everyday things such as where you left your purse, but what a purse is for (eg). Most distressing perhaps, is when your relative may forget who you are |
There are many causes of dementia, and each one presents differently - however slight. Those with Vascular dementia (multiple strokes) for instance, are said to retain their personality more than those with Alzheimers. Some causes have a hereditary component, others may due to infection or as a result of another illness. More information from the Links below.
Whatever the cause, dementia has a devastating effect on the sufferer and imposes great strain on those who care for them. Dementia progresses, so that the sufferer gradually deteriorates. Increasingly, he/she is able to do less, understand less. There are new medications available which can help slow down the progression, but It is likely that eventually, the sufferer will require residential nursing care in a hospital or specialist home. Other therapies may also be used - such as Occupational Therapy, Validation Therapy, Music Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, SONAS, and the use of Multi-Sensory Environments (Snoezelen).
There has been media interest recently about a vaccine for Alzheimers - more info here
Family and Friends can be an incredible source of help and support - and it's important to let them know about your difficulties and stresses, so that they are better able to understand, and more inclined to offer help.
If you have any concerns about yourself, or about an elderly relative or neighbour - then there are various professionals you can contact for help and advice. In the first instance, see your General Practitioner.
He/she will be able to advise you of your next step, which may involve a referral to the Consultant at the Castel Hospital (where Guernsey's Mental Health Services are based). He in turn will be able to arrange a support system at home, utilising services such as the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Elderly - a Community Nurse based at the Castel Hospital. She will be able to offer support and advice in your home. Also based at the Castel Hospital are specialist Social Workers and Occupational Therapists. Day Care is also available, and Respite or Holiday Care can also be arranged - where the sufferer can be admitted to hospital for a short period of time to provide holiday relief for the carers.
Other professionals such as District Nurses are also available (arranged via your GP or the Consultant).
There are many voluntary groups who can also offer much needed support, including the Alzheimers Association, Guernsey Welfare Service, Information Exchange, Age Concern, WRVS (including their Meals on Wheels service) and the Citizens Advice Bureau. St John Ambulance also run a Care in the Community Service. See Links below for sites and telephone numbers.
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Guernsey Links & Telephone Numbers
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Alzheimers Association 247395 |
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Association of Guernsey Charities 235851 |
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Castel Hospital League of Friends 244067 |
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Guernsey Welfare Service 722732 |
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Information Exchange Disability Information 707470 |
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Citizens Advice Bureau 721172 |
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Age Concern 256991 |
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St John Ambulance 725211 |
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SJA Care in the Community 247357 |
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WRVS 247518 |
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Remind Me Who I Am Again |
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Iris - A Memoir of Iris Murdoch |
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Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Guide and Sourcebook |
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Books
at the Alzheimers Disease Society
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Self-Help Books for Mental Health
31 May 2008
