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Matt Seex Editor mattseex@stepcomms.com


HOME of mi diagnosis


CARE ENVIRONMENT


Editor Matt Seex


mattseex@stepcomms.com Business Manager


Mike Gammon


mikegammon@stepcomms.com Journal Administration


Katy Cockle


katycockle@stepcomms.com Design


Steven Dillon Publisher


Geoff King Publishing Dire


geoffking@stepcomms.com Publishing Director


Trevor Moon trevormoon@stepcomms.com


THE CARE HOME ENVIRONMENT is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


HOME ENVIRONMEN


is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1892 779999


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. +44 (0)1892 779999


Email: info@thecarehomeenvironment.com Web: www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


Welcome to the May issue of Home Environment.


Dementia: the importance sconceptions abound


mentia –


Welcome to the June issue of The Care onment.


home provider Care UK has laid bare many of the misconceptions and fears that people have about dementia. Almost two thirds of the 2,000 people questioned by OnePoll are afraid of developing dementia when they get older. More surprising is the revelation that 11 per cent started worrying about the condition in their 20s. Misconceptions about dementia abound – a fifth of adults wrongly believe that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are different names for the same thing, while 17 per cent believe that if a member of their family develops dementia, this means that they will, too. While fourteen per cent of those questioned think that people living with dementia cannot lead a meaningful life, over a third admitted that they actually know little about the condition. Even though there are (according


to Alzheimer’s Society) an estimated 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia (a number expected to rise to


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One of the highlights of this year’s Care Show London at Excel London was a discussion between broadcaster Anna Richardson and Alzheimer’s Society’s head of local systems influencing Tim Baverstock, in which the latter expressed his frustration that up to a third of the estimated one million people living with dementia in the UK have not been diagnosed. My review of the Care Show can be found on page 19 of this issue. During May’s Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society launched an initiative encouraging people to seek help should a loved one (or indeed themselves) show one of the six most common symptoms of dementia. In addition, the Society unveiled new research showing that, for example, over 60 per cent of respondents did not know that problems with vision can sometimes be a symptom of dementia. The research also found that less than two-thirds of respondents knew that communication problems (61 per cent) or mood changes (64 per cent) can also be symptoms of dementia.


New research commissioned by care


1.6 million by 2040), Care UK’s research found that 72 per cent of adults have made no effort to learn about the condition. In response, Care UK has launched a new video guide which aims to debunk the myths surrounding dementia and provide support to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the condition. Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing,


n Difficulty organising thoughts – struggling to make decisions, solve problems, or follow steps.


care and dementia services at Care UK, said: “There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to dementia, and what this means for the person living with it and their family. “In reality, dementia is a condition that


n Problems using words or communicating – difficulties following conversations or struggling to find the right words.


n Problems with vision – problems judging distances or perceiving object edges.


can be managed to ensure those who live with it can continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives and can be supported to still do the things they love. That’s why we’ve launched our latest video guide, One step at a time. Featuring tips from our experts, but also testimonies of residents’ families, it is designed to help people navigate through the dementia journey, from dealing with the initial diagnosis to learning how to live well with dementia.” While the results of Care UK’s research


n Getting confused about time or place – losing track of the time or date, or becoming confused about where they are.


n Changes in mood or personality – becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn.


might be troubling, they are perhaps not all that surprising. The spectre of dementia – along with the prospect of old age itself – is something most of us push to the back of our minds. It is a scary thing to think about, and most of us would prefer not to do so. Yet it is only a matter of time before dementia affects somebody we love, or indeed us personally. Perhaps, then, we all need to be a little braver and find out more about a condition that is almost certain to come into our lives one day. I hope you enjoy the issue.


“Our research shows that 97 per cent


of people affected by dementia saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis helps people to live independently for longer, access existing treatments, and can prevent crisis situations. It also allows people to better understand their condition and plan for their future.” I hope you enjoy the issue.


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Discussing Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society’s interim CEO Corinne Mills said: “More than a third of people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, meaning they’re missing out on the vital care, support, and treatment they need. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We understand that getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know.


The six most common symptoms of dementia are: n Memory loss – problems recalling things that happened recently.


THE


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