Resources > Healthy Mind

Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types. There are services available to help you and your loved ones if you are impacted by dementia. 

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It is possible to live a long and happy life with dementia if you are diagnosed early and have the right support. 

 

We want to make sure that everyone in Havering who has dementia gets a diagnosis as early as possible, and is given access to the support that they need.

We also want to raise awareness of lifestyle changes that can help to prevent or delay dementia. 

What is dementia?

Dementia is a word used to describe lots of different health conditions that affect the brain and their symptoms. 

 

All of these conditions cause people’s brain function (how their brain works) to get worse over time.   

 

Dementia symptoms include: 

 

  • Memory loss 
  • Impaired judgement (changes to the way someone makes decisions) 
  • Personality changes  
  • Finding it harder to do daily tasks 

 

Use The Alzheimer Society’s checklist to check if you or someone you know may need to speak to a GP about dementia. You can also see their information in BSL on their website.

A lady sits on a chair with a sketch pad smiling to a man looking over her shoulder at the art.

The most common types of dementia are: 

  • Alzheimer’s Disease 
  • Vascular dementia 
  • Fronto-temporal dementia 
  • Lewy bodies dementia  

But there are many more. 

If you're worried you / someone you know might have dementia

If you or someone you know has experienced memory changes, please book an appointment with your GP.

 

Your GP will ask you some questions and will refer you to the NELFT Memory Service if needed. They will do some tests to rule out or diagnose dementia. 

 

They may do blood tests and / or a CT scan and they will ask you some questions. They will review all of your tests and book you in for an appointment to discuss your results.

 

The sooner someone is diagnosed, the sooner they can get the support they need to slow the progression of dementia.

I’ve just been diagnosed with dementia – what happens next?

A woman helps a man tie a red and black necktie. He wears a light purple shirt and dark trousers. She wears a black blouse with white patterns. They are in a bright room with a leather chair and bookshelves,

If the Memory Clinic find that you do have Dementia, they will talk you through the type of Dementia that you have and how you can manage it going forwards.

 

You may also be prescribed medication to help slow the progression of Dementia.

You can still live a full and happy life, and the sooner you know that you have dementia, the sooner you can get support.

 

Once you have your results, you will be discharged from the Memory Clinic back to your GP.

 

You can request an appointment with a Social Prescriber at your GP practice so that you can discuss all of the options for living a full and happy life with Dementia.

 

You may also be referred to a Health & Wellbeing Coach or for emotional support to help you and your family come to terms with your diagnosis.

Memory Cafés & Community Support

There are support services available for you and your loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Older people at a social club playing table top games

 

National helplines & support

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

Memory Café at The Railway Hotel

Memory Café at The Railway Hotel

A warm and friendly drop-in for those with Dementia and their carers. Enjoy tea, coffee, music, and friendship in a casual and supportive environment. Where: The Railway Hotel, Station Lane,...

Alzheimer's Society carers support programme

Alzheimer’s Society carers support programme

With the Havering Carers Support programme, you will: gain knowledge of dementia be better informed and empowered to access support services get support understanding financial support available and what you’re...

Memory Café

Queen’s Theatre Memory Café

The Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Memory Café is a relaxed, informal and free drop-in, providing support for people with dementia and their carers. If you, or someone you know is living...

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