Dementia Action Week – catch symptoms early

This week from the 15th to 21st of May marks Dementia Action Week (DAW) . 

Within Yorkshire and the Humber, one in three who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one wait more than a month before voicing their concerns, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

What is Dementia Action Week?

Dementia Action Week is an opportunity for those with dementia and their families and carers to come together and encourage people to act sooner rather than later.

The theme of DAW 2023 is dementia diagnosis, urging people to catch symptoms early. 

Dementia is a disease that damages the brain over time, causing memory loss, confusion with day-to-today tasks, language and understanding problems, and unusual behavioural changes. 

Symptoms of Dementia are mild to start with but progressively worsen. 

Age UK a charity that dedicates in helping the elderly said: “It is estimated that over 7,000 people 65 years and older are living with dementia in Sheffield.”

The delay in symptom spotting and diagnosis means the devastating disease takes over. 

How the disease affects families

Daniel Platts, 20 years old, from Sheffield, who lost his Grandmother to the disease said: “When my grandma was diagnosed with it I was quite young but over time I realised she has no idea what her own grandkids were called anymore and what we are up to.

“I just think for her and for my dad that must be the worst feeling ever, knowing that was going to happen. It just doesn’t ever get easy because I think of all the memories and  then the realisation she has no idea what happened is heartbreaking.

“A week like this is so important because all the families like mine that’s been through it know how awful it is, and it’s not something you can really understand until you’ve been through it so the awareness this week brings makes it slightly easier for us all to be almost together against what is one of the worst things someone can go through.”

Services in Sheffield

Age UK Sheffield offer the following services:

Dementia Wellbeing Centres – provide person-centred activities and support based on a maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy.

It has helped customers rediscover forgotten hobbies and skills such as painting and dancing.

The centres also offer respite for the families.

Young Onset – provides information, peer support, and tailored activities designed for early onset Dementia patients and their families.

Sheffield Dementia Action Alliance (SDAA) – a network working to establish Sheffield as a dementia friendly city in partnership with Age UK Sheffield.

Rosemary Cafés – provide coffee, cakes, and conversation for those living with dementia and their family.

The cafés create a welcoming and safe environment for patients to openly discuss their experiences and seek help and support from one another. 

To find out more visit: alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot