Help for the families of dementia sufferers

FAMILIES of dementia sufferers can get advice and information at a drop-in session in the town centre.

The event will be hosted by Age Concern at its headquarters in Church Lane on Wednesday from 1-3pm during Dementia Awareness Week.

Dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function.

These conditions are all usually progressive. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia affecting 62 per cent of those diagnosed.

Symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

This year, the Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to think about the people they know living with dementia and about the simple things they can do to make life for them more manageable and enjoyable.

Sian Wimbury, senior project manager for mental health with NHS Oldham, said: “It’s estimated that there are around 2,430 people with dementia in Oldham.

“We are holding this event to help people find information and advice, local support and services for clients and carers.

“Our main aim is to increase awareness of dementia and reduce stigma attached to mental health problems.

“We hope that people who feel they or a relative are experiencing memory problems will contact their GP or a health or social care professional for advice and assistance as treatment can often reduce symptoms.

The earlier people get advice the better. People with dementia and their families often say that finding out about the problem was the start of getting back in control.”

The awareness session is being run by NHS Oldham and Oldham Community Health Services’ health improvement service as well as Age Concern, Pennine Care and the Alzheimer’s Society.

There are 750,000 people with dementia in the UK. By 2021 there will be over 940,000 people living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million by 2050. By 2018 dementia will cost the UK £27 billion per year.