Dementia Action Week is an awareness raising campaign. Each year, they work with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’.
In 2022, Dementia Action Week encouraged people who are concerned that they or someone they know may be experiencing dementia symptoms to seek further help. They provided information on memory loss, advice on talking to the GP, and ways to cope with memory loss.
FACT!
Throughout the week, they saw a 43% average increase in calls to their dementia support line from those seeking information and support.
What will be the focus for 2023?
Increasing diagnosis rates is such an important issue that they are focusing on it again this year.
Following a sustained drop in dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever, they undertook research to understand the key barriers and benefits to getting a diagnosis.
As well as the misconception around memory loss just being part of getting old, their research found being in denial, and referral times to specialists, are big barriers for those experiencing symptoms to seek a diagnosis.
Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but they believe it’s better to know. And so do 91% of people affected by dementia.
This Dementia Action Week, they’ll be involving more healthcare professionals and building on the success of their symptoms checklist. By working together, they want to improve people’s diagnosis experience and ensure they get a timely diagnosis.
Did you know?
153 million people are set to be living with dementia by 2050 – compared to the current 57 million – according to a new study!
The first comprehensive analysis of dementia prevalence, led by the University of Washington, included data from 195 countries and territories.
The findings, published in The Lancet Public Health journal, said improved access to education could lead to 6.2million fewer cases of dementia worldwide by 2050.
Dementia & driving: How Herts Ability can help!
Many people believe that a diagnosis of dementia means you cannot drive… This doesn’t have to be the case!
Herts Ability is always happy and proud to support people with dementia in staying independent and continuing to drive.
A driving assessment can give you and your family peace of mind, knowing that you are safe behind the wheel.
Our Assessment teams consisting of an Occupational Therapist and a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor will give a warm welcome at our assessment centres across Beds, Herts, Essex and London!
Following a brief eyesight check, our team will have a chat with you in one of our comfortable offices, and find out how you feel about driving, your concerns and your fears.
Once you’re ready, we’ll take you out in one of our cars to make sure that you’re managing ok. It isn’t a driving test and we do not need perfection.
All we want to see is that you, your loved ones, and other road users remain safe.
As Dementia Friends, we may not totally understand how you feel as an individual, but we’ll give you time and space to express yourself and treat you with the respect you deserve.
We can offer coping strategies to help manage your Dementia symptoms and support you in implementing them.
Of course, the day may come when you need to retire from driving.
The Herts Ability teams will help you prepare for this and support you in remaining independent by using alternatives to driving.
If you are concerned about continuing to drive with dementia or if you are worried about a friend or relative with dementia, simply call 01707 324 581 or email driving@hertsability.org.uk and we will guide you all the way!
