Alzheimer’s Society The UK’s leading charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. We support people to live well with dementia and fund research to find a cure.

Welcome! Alzheimer’s Society Sutton Lise Mellors – Information Worker

What is dementia? The term 'dementia' is an umbrella term used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include: loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, followed by vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick’s disease). All types are progressive and terminal.

When should I worry about my memory? Can’t remember recent events Can’t follow TV programmes or conversations Losing the thread of what you were saying Forgetting names of friends/family & everyday objects Problems thinking things through and reasoning Feeling anxious, angry and depressed – having mood swings Confusion even in a familiar environment Comments on your memory loss?

1.To rule out other conditions eg. urinary infections, depression, vitamin/thyroid deficiencies & brain tumours 2.Early access to medication (specific to Alzheimer’s Disease) 3.Access to information, services and support from Social Services, voluntary agencies and support groups 4. Access to benefits such as Attendance Allowance, reduction in council tax payments 5. The ability to put Power of Attorney in place/decide about future care provision Why seek a diagnosis?

Sutton Alzheimer’s Society In the local area we provide: An Information Service A Dementia Support Service A Peer Support Service Workshops

Information Service Raising awareness and understanding of dementia with: Talks/presentations information stands forums media events access to a library of factsheets, books & DVDs.

Dementia Support Service PROVIDES: A welcome pack. Tailored support by telephone, , home visits and at support groups Sign-posting to other local support services. Help to enable social engagement.

Peer Support Service Friendly informal groups providing information, peer support, social engagement and refreshments such as: - Memory Lane CafeTuesday Club The IndividualsYoung Inspirations Singing for the BrainEvening support group for carers

Workshops Life After Diagnosis A workshop programme of support & information for people with a new diagnosis of dementia. Carers Information and Support Programme A series of 4 workshops providing support and information to carers of people living with dementia.

Dementia in Sutton and diagnosis rates Number of people on the QOF register in Sutton are 1587 Diagnosis rates in the area are 39% Figures taken from ‘Mapping the Dementia Gap’, a report published by Alzheimer’s Society, Tesco and Alzheimer’s Scotland in 2012 ________________________________________________________________________________________ alzheimers.org.uk

Please contact: Sutton Alzheimer’s Society Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PP Tel Thank you!