What is dementia?
There are 6,196 people currently living with dementia in Buckinghamshire, which is set to rise to 8,953 by 2021.
The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.
There are over 100 different types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. People with dementia have particular problems with their short term memory. They consistently forget things that they have just said or done, even though they can often recall clearly events that happened many years ago. Their sense of time and place is frequently lost as the disease progresses.
They may develop problems with finding words, and it becomes increasingly difficult for them to learn new information and to do new things.
As time goes on, people with dementia are likely to need help to do even the most basic everyday tasks, including washing, dressing and eating. Eventually, people with dementia may become incontinent and sometimes there are severe behavioral and communication problems. Most people with dementia eventually require 24-hour care.
Whatever the type of dementia, the disease often goes on for many years, and often people die of something else.
Events
Drop In Centres, every Wednesday, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury between 9am - 12noon
Carer Support Group, Aylesbury, 42 Wedgewood Street, Fairford Leys, Aylesbury, 3rd Monday of each month
Dementia Awareness Week, Monday 21st May 2012 - Sunday 27th May 2012
The Society is hoping local businesses and inviduals will hold their own fundraising events during the week, so if you can spare time or a talent to be put forward as a prize in the Auction of Promises or for more information about the event please contact Sian Day on 07850 200534 or sian.day@alzheimers.org.uk
Saturday 26th May 2012- "Remember the Person" An awareness and fundraising event is taking place at the Friars Square Shopping Centre in Aylesbury from 10am - 4pm with entertainment from local guitarist Colin Little performing requests in the morning with an Elvis Tribute aka Gary Roman treating passers by during the afternoon. There will also be an opportunity to meet local staff and volunteers.
Come along to Friars Square as Alzheimers Society prepares to end Dementia Awareness Week on a high note. There will also be a silent auction of promises, so if you can spare some time or talent get in touch see www.alzheimers.org.uk/friarssquare for more details.
Hear more about living with Dementia;
Aylesbury resident John Rose tells MIX 96 about his experiences caring for his wife, who suffers from Dementia. He also explains what the Alzheimer's Society have done to help;
Emma from Alzheimer's Society talking about the work they do, why they do it and how you can get involved.
Sian from Alzheimer's Society talking to us about Dementia Awareness Week which takes place in May.
