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.
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.
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.
Please call the Havering Dementia support service on 01708 739293.
I’ve just been diagnosed with dementia – what happens next?
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 you can discuss all your options or speak to Havering Dementia advisory service at Alzheimer’s society for ongoing support for living a full and happy life with Dementia. Our office hours are Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm 01708 739293 or can contact out of hours on 0333 150 3456
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.
- Alzheimer's Society dementia support service (commissioned service for people living with dementia and their carers)
- Upminster Dementia Choir - choir for people living with dementia
- Memory cafés at the Queen's Theatre, The Railway Hotel & Hornchurch Library
- The Dementia & Music Social Club in Romford and Hornchurch
- BHRUT Admiral Nurses - specialist nurses supporting carers for people with memory difficulties
- Telecare & assistive technology - get technology and devices to help you continue to live independently at home for as long as possible
- Sport for Confidence accessible sports programme for people newly diagnosed with dementia.
- St Francis Hospice monthly Living with Dementia multi-sensory reminiscence sessions for people living with mild to moderate dementia.
National helplines & support
- Alzheimer's Society information, advice and support line
- Young Dementia Network - online community for young onset dementia
- Dementia UK dementia nurse helpline
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events
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...
Memory Cafe
This is a friendly and relaxed free drop in for those with dementia and their carers.
Related Services
Related services
St Francis Hospice Living with Dementia group
Saint Francis Hospice runs a monthly Living with Dementia group; a multi-sensory reminiscence session designed to support people living with mild to moderate dementia.
Havering Carers Support Service
Support for unpaid adult and young adult carers aged 16+ in Havering. If you are a carer providing help and care to family members and friends, we are here to support you.
Assistive Technology & Telecare Products
Telecare is equipment and services that supports safety and independence in the home.
Community Treatment Team
We give care to people in their homes who are experiencing a physical health crisis that does not warrant a hospital admission.
Havering Dementia Action Alliance (HDAA)
Our mission is to make Havering a safe haven for people living with dementia, where they can continue to live as independent a life as possible as a valued member of the community.
Alzheimer’s Society Havering Dementia Support Service
Refer yourself/your family members to our service. We are here to help. We provide information and advice for anyone worried about their own or someone else’s memory. Anyone who has a diagnosis of dementia or is a carer/family member of a person who is living with dementia and resides in Havering are welcome to get in touch with us.
Upminster Dementia Choir
A fortnightly choir for those who are living with dementia and their carers with tea and coffee provided. Every other Thursday, 10am – 11:30am. £2 per person.
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.
