Living with Dementia

What if I have Dementia?

A diagnosis of dementia usually comes as a shock. However for some people there may also be a sense of relief, that the symptoms they have been experiencing are due to a disease or condition for which help may be available.

Guideposts Trust, the charity which manages Dementia web has a wealth of experience to offer you. You can call our dementia helpline, in complete confidence, knowing that we understand dementia, are aware of how you may be feeling and can let you talk about things. Sometimes talking can help, expressing your emotions, asking questions, making a contact, getting a bit of moral support. All of these things can help initially. Sometimes the shock can be so great that you prefer to keep yourself to yourself, unable to discuss it with anyone, in which case we hope that the website will provide everything that you need.

When you want to talk we will be here to listen. The helpline will be answered by someone who knows how dementia can affect people and how it can affect family and friends too.

Useful Information

The Alzheimer's Society has produced a very helpful factsheet, that suggests things you can do that will help to make life easier and more enjoyable, both now and in the future What if I have dementia?

There is a monthly magazine Living with Dementia, which is free to members of the Alzheimer's Society but can also be downloaded for free from its website irrespective of membership. There is information about advances in research as well as general issues relating to living with dementia.

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Living With Dementia Helpcards

These cards are provided by the Alzheimer's Society. There are three different cards to describe different conditions - "I have memory problems", "I have Alzheimer's disease" and "I have dementia" so you can choose the card which suits. The card can be carried when the person with dementia goes out alone. It can be used to aid communication with people in shops etc. You can add information to the card ie. the person's name, the name and number of someone who could be contacted for help, emergency numbers etc. More information and how to get the cards.

Local Support Groups for people living with dementia

In Bath and North East Somerset there are support groups especially for people who have had a diagnosis of dementia.

Memory Cafés

These have been set up by the Alzheimer’s Society together with the Mental Health Team for Older People, Carers’ Centre and Somer Housing. There is one venue in the county for carers and people with a dementia diagnosis. The Memory Café is an educational and social event and the Cafés have a different theme each meeting. They provide information, emotional support and the opportunity to meet with professionals in a social setting. To find out more about Memory Cafés contact the Alzheimer’s Society, International House, Bristol: 0117 9610693, which is the nearest branch. They may be able to offer details of Memory Cafés in the Bristol area which are closer to where you live. Memory Cafés in Bath and North East Somerset are:

Memory Café. The Café is run by volunteers with specialist knowledge and experience in dementia who are available to provide advice and support.
The café is held on the first Tuesday of every Month, 2pm-4pm at The Bear, Bear Flat, Bath. BA2 3AQ. Contact Sharon Sorungbe on: 07795 355056.

Alternatively - The Peggy Dodd Centre has a Dementia Café at their day centre on the first Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Contact: 01225 835520 for details and advice.
The Peggy Dodd Centre
Brierley House
Summer Lane
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5JX

Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain®
Started by Alzheimer’s Society in 2003 Singing for the Brain® builds on the fact that people with dementia can often recall words and melodies after other memories have faded.  Singing together is a stimulating and uplifting social activity designed to increase wellbeing of people with dementia together with their carers.  Through the music confidence, mood and self-esteem are all enhanced.

There is no charge for these groups, however contributions towards refreshments gratefully accepted.

There are currently two groups in Bath.  For further information on Singing for the Brian® generally or for details of either group please contact Rena Cottis: 07540 - 921035.

The Somerset Room at Manvers Street Baptist Church
Singing for the Brain® takes place every Wednesday afternoon. Meet at Somerset Room, downstairs (ramp and lift available) at Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath, BA1 1JW. 

The Peggy Dodd Centre
This group takes place on the second and fourth Friday of each month at Brierley House, Summer Lane, Combe Down, Bath, BA2 5JX. Please follow signs and park in the right hand side of the car park. For more details, contact: Margaret Klesdadt on 01225 864464.

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Looking After Yourself

Healthy Foods
Try to make sure you have your 5 a day, almost all fruit and vegetables count towards your 5 a day - they form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The 5 a day, together with whole grains, fish and unsaturated fat such as olive oil will ensure healthy eating. Dairy products and meat should be limited as they are high in saturated fat, which could cause narrowing of the arteries. Try to cut down on your salt intake, 75% of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy. Look for low salt versions of pre-prepared food, drink plenty of water each day.

The picture of the plate below gives you some guidance of the right proportions of each type of food required to maintain a balanced diet.
The eatwell plate shows the different types of food we need to eat – and in what proportions – to have a well balanced and healthy diet (NHS Choices).

Keeping  Active
It is important to keep active, try to stay involved with everyday activities e.g. housework, gardening and washing. Continue with sport that you are involved with at present e.g. the gym, running, swimming – get a good friend to go with you if you are apprehensive. The exercise you do doesn’t have to be strenuous; walking and dancing are brilliant ways to keep active and enjoy yourself. Go to quizzes, join an art group, it is so relaxing. Take up a craft, read, listen to music, go to the cinema – these are all activities that will keep you stimulated.

Keep in Touch
Make sure you still visit your friends and family – let them come to you too. Talk about things you want to do, places you want to go and encourage their help and support.

Smoking
If possible it is best to stop smoking. If you do continue try to cut down. You need to be aware of where the ash goes and stubbing out the cigarette. It might be an idea to have ash trays, containing a small amount of water, dotted around the home to help prevent an accident.

Alcohol
The occasional drink is fine; however with some people it can increase confusion. If you continue, it is a good idea to follow the current government guidelines:

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day.
• Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day.
• You should have two free alcohol days per week.

If you are unsure, please be advised by the person who gave you your diagnosis.

What is a unit?
A unit is not the same as a drink. Most alcoholic drinks contain more than one unit. In many pubs and bars, drinks are being served in larger glasses or amounts, and many drinks are getting stronger. This means that you might be drinking much more than you think.

Beer

• A premium pint of lager, bitter or cider (5%) contains 3 units
• An ordinary strength pint of lager, bitter or cider (3-4%) contains 2 units

Wine

• A large 250ml glass of wine (12%) contains 3 units
• A standard 175ml glass of wine (12%) contains 2 units (Many pubs and bars call this a ‘small’ glass)

Spirits

• A large double measure of spirits (2 x 35ml at 40%) contains 3 units
• A large single measure of spirits (1 x 35ml at 40%) contains 1.5 units
• A small double measure of spirits (2 x 25ml at 40%) contains 2 units
• A small single measure of spirits (1 x 25ml at 40%) contains 1 unit

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