Tag Archives: alzheimers

Carers group has successful run helping people in the fight against isolation

Donna-Louise Bishop

Extreme isolation and loneliness, which saw a woman from north Norfolk house-bound for three weeks at a time, was the inspiration behind a successful carers support group in Wells.

Juanita Spencer, of Theatre Road, cared for her husband Jack for more than a decade, after he developed dementia and survived a number of strokes, before he died in January 2011.

During that time, the 78-year-old said she had felt extremely isolated, especially during the first few years.

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Dementia friends in Norwich come together to help raise awareness

Dementia Friends gather at The Forum in Norwich for National Dementia Week.

Picture : ANTONY KELLY

More than 100 people who have trained to better understand dementia gathered on the steps outside The Forum in Norwich to show their commitment to making the city dementia-friendly.

Since January, businesses and organisations around the county have been working hard to ensure they are dementia friendly, training their staff to better understand the illness which is set to rise in prevalence by 35pc in Norfolk over the next eight years.

There are now more than 40 members taking part in the bid – among them EDP and Evening News publisher Archant – all pledging support and specific objectives pledges.

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of Age UK Norwich, said: “It’s about us all thinking and understanding more about dementia.”

In Norfolk, some 14,000 people have dementia, but experts believe the figure will rise to 19,000 by 2025.

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Valentine’s Day & Dementia: What to Consider When Your Partner Has Dementia

Dementia does not define who they are.

Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can severely test the vows you made to one another many moons ago. It is a very difficult and strenuous job that inevitably causes pain and grief for the person you once knew – before dementia came crashing into your lives.

However, whilst loving and caring for someone with dementia can be hard, you will find that it can be incredibly rewarding if you remember a few important things. So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day (14th February), here is what you should consider when your partner has dementia:

Dementia does not define who they are.

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is devastating and life-changing both for the patient and for their loved ones, but it is crucial to remember that dementia does not become that person. You knew who they were before their diagnosis, and it is important to hold on to those memories of who they really are.