Although one of the most prevalent diseases in our society today, with a dementia diagnosis happening every 3 minutes in the UK, it is still one of the most misunderstood. This year, we want to support Dementia Action and do our bit to try and help people understand dementia and help you support your loved ones.
There continues to be a number of misconceptions and myths around dementia and some of the ones we see/hear most often are:
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s are the same
Dementia is actually an umbrella term for a range of symptoms characterised by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer’s is a very specific form of dementia.
- People with dementia do not know what is going on around them
Although people with dementia can struggle to communicate, this does not mean they have no awareness of what is happening. Communication and awareness are controlled by two different parts of the brain and so the person may be making attempts to communicate and sadly are unable to do so effectively.
- Only elderly people can get dementia
While it is less common, young onset dementia can affect those of working age usually between 30 and 65 years old. It is estimated around 42,000 people are living with early onset dementia in the UK representing around 5% of the total number of those affected by the illness in the UK. These figures could be higher however it is harder to diagnose the illness in young people.
- You should correct a person living with dementia
We all make mistakes! Those living with dementia will also make mistakes, perhaps they will call you by the wrong name, for example, however it is recommended you don’t correct the verbal mistakes they make. Correcting mistakes can actually create more confusion and feelings of depression. Instead, be engaged in what they are saying and try to support their socialising skills.
There is definitely a lack of awareness and understanding around dementia in the UK and it goes beyond these five common myths. This was highlighted in a recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Society where 51% of those asked felt they didn’t know enough about the disease and 69% felt they didn’t feel confident to help someone with dementia who was struggling in a public place. We want to help you understand dementia and feel confident to help those who are struggling.
From reports, those who are diagnosed with dementia really struggle with the stigma around the disease. Sometimes, friends and family refuse to believe the diagnosis making it harder for them to get the help and support they need. Some have said friends avoid them as they don’t know how to interact and rather than ask them directly how they are, they will turn to their partner and ask instead.
All of these actions are making those suffering with dementia feel isolated. The Alzheimer’s Society gathered together thoughts from some of those in the early stages of the disease and put together these small actions which we can all take on board:
- Talk to me. Don’t be worried about talking to me. I’m still me.
- Listen to me. Take time to listen and involve me in the conversation. I can still teach you a thing or two.
- Include me. Keep on inviting me out. Friends still mean the world to me.
- Ask if I need help. If I seem confused, ask if I need help. These little things help me stay independent.
- Be patient. Be patient with me and I’ll show you how I can still do things. It just might take me longer than it used to.
- Ask me about my dementia. Don’t be afraid to ask me questions. When you take the time to understand my dementia, I know there’s someone on my side.
- Help my carer too. Support my partner and others who care for me. My dementia affects them too.
We love having visitors at Grosvenor Lodge, so if you have a spare 30 minutes or more, please pop in for a cuppa and a chat with our residents, they enjoy having a natter and a cuppa and together we can help remove the stigma surrounding dementia.