What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms caused by diseases affecting the brain. There are over 100 different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Some people may have more than one type of dementia (known as mixed dementia).
Dementia can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, but each person living with dementia is different.
How the illness affects someone depends on a range of factors, including which area of the brain is damaged.
While researchers do not yet fully understand why some people develop dementia, the underlying diseases that cause dementia are known. Different types of dementia have different causes. Research continues to improve understanding, treatment and prevention.
Information about dementia and local supports can be accessed through the NHS Ayrshire & Arran app. Search for “NHS Ayrshire & Arran” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and then navigate to “Dementia: Post Diagnostic Support”.
You can contact Lynne Murray (Dementia Nurse Consultant for NHS Ayrshire & Arran) by emailing: Lynne.Murray@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or calling 01563 826719
Alzheimer Scotland 24hr Helpline
The free 24 hour Helpline provides information, signposting and emotional support to people with the illness, their families, friends and professionals.
The Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers supported by staff at Alzheimer Scotland. Many of the volunteers have had personal or professional experience of caring for people living with dementia. Volunteers on the Helpline can provide information right away if you have any questions or concerns, as well as send out free information to carers, family members or people living with dementia.
You can email: helpline@alzscot.org or call 0808 808 3000
Carers’ Academy
Are you supporting a friend or family member who is living with dementia?
Would you like help to:
- Enhance your knowledge and understanding of dementia.
- Develop practical caring skills within a safe/supportive environment.
- Share ideas and experiences with other carers.
Then why not come along to the local Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice Carers’ Academy.
For further information on dates or to find out more please contact Mary-Anne Sheeran by emailing: Clinical_CarersAcademy@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or call 01563 826313.
Dementia training opportunities for family and friends
Training sessions are designed to support the information needs of family members and close friends who are supporting someone living with dementia. They are also useful for staff working within the business and retail sector who would like to raise their awareness of dementia.
Topics covered in sessions are:
- The rights of people with Dementia
- Carer rights
- Types of Dementia
- Latest local developments and supports
- Post Diagnostic Support
- Communicating with people with Dementia
- Environmental Influences
- “ Getting to know me”
For further information contact Mary Ann Sheeran: maryann.sheeran2@aapct.scot.nhs.uk, 01563 826313
You can also contact Lynne Murray (Dementia Nurse Consultant for NHS Ayrshire and Arran) by emailing: Lynne.Murray@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or calling 01563 826719