DEMENTIA The D Word Rosie Runciman, Co-Founder of The Sound Doctor, highlights the importance of


talking about and educating people on dementia so they can take be prepared if they themselves or their loved ones received a diagnosis.


A dementia crisis is on the horizon, as it is revealed that only 3% of people make active preparation for the disease.


The Times has reported that, despite the fact that 75% of the population are afraid of developing dementia or losing their ability to make decisions, 97% of people have taken no legal steps toward securing care in the future.


Dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales, making up 12% of the total deaths in 2016. It’s on the rise, too: the number of people diagnosed has increased by 54% in the last ten years, again according to The Times.


In just seven years, more than 13 million people who are at risk of dementia will have no legal or medical arrangements made due to a lack of preparation.


We know first-hand that people are reluctant to talk about the condition. Sufferers think they can leave key decisions to their next of kin without taking legal steps to ensure that it happens, whether it be their pension, writing a will or saving for retirement.


People also underestimate the impact that caring for someone with dementia can have on the carer. Family members tend to think it’s their job or their duty but it’s a tough job and they’re not trained for it. It’s crucial that carers take time to seek, and make sure they get the help they


need, whether it’s respite care, a short break, peer support or someone to help around the house.


WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Professor Louise Robinson, Professor of Primary Care and Ageing at Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, works closely with The Sound Doctor to both create and clinically review the films.


She said: “Patient information is critical for anyone living with or caring for those with dementia. The Sound Doctor’s films provide an excellent resource, covering every phase from understanding dementia and initial diagnosis, to planning ahead and living through the later stages. There are also valuable chapters for people caring for those with dementia.”


WHAT IS THE SOUND DOCTOR? The Sound Doctor provides a library of films on dementia, created with Newcastle University Institute of Ageing, which give a step-by-step guide of what to do and what to think about when you or someone in the family is diagnosed with dementia.


This means that people can think about granting power of attorney, deciding when to move into a care home, whether or when to stop driving and other important questions at the appropriate time.


The film library covers all the main topics, including beginner- level knowledge. There is helpful information to address the question of whether we can reduce our risk of getting dementia, as well as information about the early symptoms.


Films to provide support around memory loss, communication problems and incontinence are also available. Carers, as well as sufferers, will find the support they need with The Sound Doctor.


LOOKING AHEAD In regards to treating dementia in the future, recent reports indicate a commitment by the Health Secretary to earmark £215 million for ‘the next generation of innovative treatments’ for patients on the NHS. This includes robots carrying out dementia care within 20 years.


While this commitment carries undeniable potential for the years ahead, it does remain important to remember that robots cannot solve all problems. A robot will never be able to empathise with a worried patient in the same way as a human can. And, with the NHS treating an average of one million patients every 36 hours, many of those patients will have quicker, more accurate diagnosis and treatment through AI, but some will always need the human touch.


www.thesounddoctor.org - 20 - www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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