World Alzheimer's Day

World Alzheimer's day

This month is World Alzheimer’s month. World Alzheimer’s day is 21st September.

Every 3 minutes somebody in the UK develops dementia. It is therefore inevitable that someone in your world will be affected by the disease in some way. It is therefore important that we all have understanding of dementia and awareness of support that is available.

Dementia UK states “Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. There are different types of Dementia. Each type stops a person’s brain cells (neurones) working properly in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.”  

People with dementia can sometimes start to wander. This might only be into the garden or street for a short time, but sometimes people get lost and go missing.

Carers, family or friends of a vulnerable person, or the person themselves, can fill in a Herbert Protocol form in advance, containing information to help the police if the person goes missing.

Keeping a completed form means you don’t have to try to remember the information when you are under stress if someone goes missing. And it saves time, so we can start the search sooner.

If you have concerns about a family member or someone you care for and would like to complete a Herbert protocol please contact us.

You can access more information and the form here:

https://www.humberside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/missing-person/missing-persons/vulnerable-people-at-risk-of-going-missing/

Alzeimer’s society offer support. There is a broad range of information and advice available via the website: Alzheimer's Society

They also have a support line 0333 150 3456. Open Monday to Wednesday 9am-8pm, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm. For non-English speaking people: Call and say the English word for the language you would like to use. They will then arrange for an interpreter to call back. If you have a textphone or an adapted computer, you can use use Relay UK to call their English-speaking Dementia Support Line on 18001 0333 150 3456. 

Alzheimer’s society offer support to those directly affected by dementia and those who care of someone who has dementia. You can get advice and information, whether you are worried about your memory, waiting for a referral or already diagnosed via the support line or using the online support forum accessible via the Alzheimer’s society website.

Through Dementia UK you can speak to a specialist dementia nurse about any aspect of dementia. Please call their free Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December or email helpline@dementiauk.org

Help is available. Please do not struggle.