Dementia

Couple at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre

Worried about your memory?

It can be difficult to tell whether memory loss, as we get older, is a sign of an underlying condition like dementia. If in doubt always check with you doctor.

What to look out for

The Alzheimer's Society recommends that you see your GP if your memory has got worse and you:

cannot carry out daily tasks easily
notice a change in your personality
other people notice you seem or act differently
struggle to remember recent events, although you can easily recall things that happened in the past
find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV
forget the names of friends or everyday objects
cannot recall things you have heard, seen or read
notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread of what you are saying
have problems thinking and reasoning
feel anxious, depressed or angry about your forgetfulness
find that other people start to comment on your forgetfulness
feel confused even when in a familiar environment

Reducing the risk

Having a busy social life with lots of friends can help protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is also important to keep physically, socially and mentally active. Try our service directory for groups and activities to join:

keeping in touch with family and friends
making new friends
going out for a walk in the park or to the shop
having a hobby, reading, learning something new

Salford people with dementia and their carers have come up with a collection with "top tips" for managing their dementia see if any of these could help you.

Following a routine can help, for example taking tablets in the morning with food
Try to bring humour into the day. It is very difficult at times but it is worth it in the end. Laugh often, laugh loud, laugh till you gasp for breath
Allay fears and do not argue. Never correct. The person you care for really believes it to be true
Find an activity you can both do together. Use their favourite music and photographs to remember things by

Increasing the risk

Smoking

Smoking is very bad for the heart, lungs, and blood system including the blood vessels to the brain.

Bad diet and being over weight

High blood pressure, heart disease, too much salt or saturated fat can all increase the risk of getting dementia.

Dehydration

It is very important to drink enough fluids. Dehydration is a health risk and can increase confusion in someone with dementia.

Even if you have one or a few of the above symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you are suffering from dementia. Your GP will be able to either reassure you or, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.