Dementia and memory loss

As we get older, we may all experience a little memory loss. This does not mean everyone will develop dementia; in fact many physical illnesses can cause memory problems that are resolved when a doctor treats the illness

You can download a copy of our dementia strategy and updated workplan - as well as a summary - from the foot of the page.

There are some simple practical steps to help with memory problems:

use a diary and make lists to help you remember appointments
keep your mind active by reading or doing crossword puzzles, Sudokus and other mind exercises
get regular physical exercise
eat a healthy diet.

If you are concerned about your persistent forgetfulness – or the memory difficulties of a friend or family member – it is important to consult a GP. He or she can do a simple memory test, a physical examination and order blood tests. They can then refer you to a specialist team or a memory clinic to test your memory in more detail and arrange a brain scan if needed.

Dementia
Dementia is a brain disease which manifests itself initially in memory problems, but goes on to affect many other parts of the brain, meaning a person could:

have difficulty with organising daily activities, prioritising tasks and communicating with others
experience changes in their mood, judgement or personality
have trouble making decisions
start making excuses for their forgetfulness
have difficulties with short-term memory while distant memory remains good.

Dementia is progressive – the symptoms will get worse over time. Although there is no cure, treatments can slow the progression of the disease, and there are ways of helping to keep it manageable.

With dementia you tend to have to rely on other people more and more as the illness progresses. It is much more common in older people, but can start as early as 40.

Additional messages specifically for carers/family

If you know someone who is worried about their memory, encourage them to visit their GP.

The more support you can give someone, the better life with dementia can be, especially in the early years.

Too often people fear dementia and this causes them to avoid people with the condition, making them feel isolated and stigmatised. With the right support, people can live well with the condition and continue to do the things they enjoy for a number of years following diagnosis. Focus on what the person can do, not what they cannot do, help with little errands or with cooking, listen to the person with dementia, and find out more about the condition.

When someone has dementia, they need:

reassurance that they are still valued, and that their feelings matter
freedom from as much external stress as possible
appropriate activities and stimulation to help them to remain alert and motivated for as long as possible.

A person with dementia is not being deliberately difficult: often their behaviour is an attempt to communicate. If you can establish what this is, you can resolve their concerns more quickly. Try to put yourself in their place and understand what they are trying to express and how they might be feeling.

Information on local services

Your GP can refer you to a specialist team or a memory clinic who will test your memory in more detail and arrange a brain scan if needed. In Luton we have the Memory Assessment Clinic at Limetrees.

The various types of support available to you and your carer are likely to involve both the NHS, Luton Borough Council’s adult social care services and voluntary agencies. Some examples of services and support to help you live as independently as possible with dementia, include: