Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive disorders affecting the brain, the most common of which are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It is more common in those over 65 years of age but can occur in younger people.
Dementia results in a progressive decline in multiple areas of function, including memory, reasoning, communication skills and the skills needed to carry out daily activities. Some people may also develop behavioural and psychological symptoms such as depression, psychosis, aggression, and eating problems, which can challenge the skills and capacity of carers and services.
It is important to remember you are not alone, over 800,000 people in the UK have dementia.
Dementia prevention and risk reduction
Evidence suggests that:
- A healthy diet,
- Having adequate physical activity,
- Controlling type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure,
- Stopping smoking, and
- Reducing alcohol consumption may help to reduce someone’s risk of developing dementia.
View what you can do to lower your risk of developing dementia in the future.
In addition, there are other things we can do throughout life to help reduce the risk of developing dementia, including being socially active and keeping your brain active too. The earlier in life that healthy changes are made, the greater the likelihood of reducing the risk of dementia, disability, and frailty.
Dementia Friendly Communities
The Dementia Friendly Communities programme focuses on improving the inclusion and quality of life of people with dementia.
A Dementia Friendly Community should:
- improve awareness and understanding around dementia
- encourage people with dementia and their carers to seek help and support
- enable people with dementia to feel included, independent and have more choice and control over their lives
Dementia support line: 0333 150 3456
Dementia support email: helpline@alzheimers.org.uk
Specialist Dementia Service at Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre
Age UK Wandsworth is commissioned by Wandsworth Council to deliver a specialist day care service for adults with dementia, from the Gwynneth Morgan Centre. The Centre is a purpose-built space for leisure, recreation and wellbeing.
The Daffodil Room hosts a specialist dementia service for those with moderate and high needs dementia. This includes a magic table 360, an interactive projector that provides games, music and tranquil backgrounds. Experienced staff with specialist dementia training can personalise activities and games based on individual interests and needs.
Clients will also be served a hot lunch and refreshments throughout the day. A menu with costs is provided.
The service is accessed via social work referral only, for adults with assessed eligible needs under the Care Act. A financial assessment will also determine if you need to contribute towards attending the day centre or the full cost of attendance.
To find out further information on the service and whether you, a friend or family member is eligible for a referral, contact the local authority on:
- Telephone: 020 8871 7707 - Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
- SMS Phone: 07940 775107
- Email: accessteam@wandsworth.gov.uk
Further information
Dementia Services in Wandsworth
More information on dementia and dementia services is available on our Careplace directory.