22 May 2018

NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are backing a campaign to improve the lives of people living with the condition this Dementia Action Week.

Dementia has a number of symptoms, which are a result of changes in the brain. In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes with the condition, experiencing a variety of symptoms including memory loss, difficulty finding the correct words, changes in personality and depression.

There is currently no cure for dementia but there are several drugs and therapies that can help to lessen the impact of the symptoms. Talking therapies including counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) encourage people to talk about their feelings. Attending support groups in the community and maintaining hobbies and interests are also an important part of care for people with dementia and their carers.

Dr Laura Pogue, from St Helens CCG, said: “Thanks to the range of treatments now available, dementia is a condition patients can learn to live with. I would advise anyone experiencing symptoms of dementia to visit their GP or Nurse Practitioner”.

The Alzheimer's Society's focus this year is to encourage everyone to take action – no matter how small – to create a dementia-friendly UK.   Yet too many people living with dementia face the condition alone and feel excluded from society.

Meanwhile, events will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland during Dementia Action Week. Find an event near you at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week-events

For more information on dementia including how to get support visit the Alzheimer's Society website: www.alzheimers.org.uk or NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia. The National Dementia Helpline can offer one-to-one advice and support on 0300 222 11 22.