Sefton health commissioners are backing the ‘Let’s talk about dementia’ campaign, to encourage people to help improve the lives of those affected by dementia.

During Dementia Action Week (20-26 May) and all year round NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are working to create a dementia-friendly community where those with dementia do not feel excluded.

According to the Alzheimer's Society there are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia. One in 14 people over 65 will develop dementia, and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80.

Kevin Thorne, dementia lead at the CCGs in Sefton, said: “The term dementia describes a set of symptoms including memory loss, mood changes and problems with communication and reasoning. Dementia is not a natural part of growing old. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.

“Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes or Parkinson’s disease.

“People living with dementia can often feel quite isolated and lonely. It’s really important that you speak with anyone in your life with dementia to ensure they feel supported.”

If you or anyone close to you has concerns about your memory, we would advise you to make an appointment with your GP who will do a quick assessment and take some blood samples. This enables your GP to discount any other health conditions.

The GP will then either reassure you - if all tests including memory are normal - or refer you to the memory service for further assessment. If dementia is diagnosed, information and advice will be provided by the memory service.

Kevin added: “Although there is no cure for dementia, there are several medications and therapies that can slow down Alzheimer’s disease, for example, which is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one.

“We want to ensure that people living with dementia are aware of all the options they have to help them. With the proper treatment and support, people living with dementia can lead fulfilling lives.”

The CCGs in Sefton have signed up to and are actively involved in helping to make Sefton more dementia friendly. There are a range of support services available across Sefton that enable people with dementia and their carers to live well with their condition. There are now over 12,800 dementia friends in Sefton and 41 champions who deliver the training to others. 

You can also see a list of those organisations in Sefton working together as part of the Sefton Dementia Action Alliance here: www.dementiaaction.org.uk/local_alliances/3794_sefton_daa

Meanwhile, events have been taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland during Dementia Action Week: www.alzheimers.org.uk

For more information on dementia visit the NHS website. The National Dementia Helpline can also offer one-to-one advice and support on 0300 222 11 22.