Dementia Action Week

#DementiaActionWeek is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. This year, the week will take place on 17th – 23rd May. 

Many of our Life Planning team members are Dementia Friends and have an understanding of the affects dementia has on both the sufferer and the family.

The COVID pandemic has affected people in a variety of different ways and specifically, has had a huge impact on families facing dementia.  There are around 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia.  It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over one million. 

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain. There are over 200 sub-types of dementia, but the five most common are: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia. Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia and these are commonly called mixed dementia.

Plan Ahead

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with dementia it can feel like a whirlwind of information and be a scary time for you all.  Planning ahead will however help family and healthcare professionals to care for you when you may not be able to make those decisions.

There may also come a time when you are unable to make decisions about your care and financial matters.  You can appoint attorneys  to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime through Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). It is important to have a Will in place and ensure that it includes your up to date wishes.

For more information on Dementia Action Week please click this link to the Alzheimer’s Society website  Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk).

If you or a family member is suffering from dementia and you wish to know the next steps of managing their matters and affairs, please speak with one of our friendly Life Planning team on 01904 624903 who will be able to help.