Dementia Awareness
Are you concerned about memory problems?
Accepting that there is a problem is the first step in getting help.
Have you experienced difficulties with?
- Misplacing objects
- Problems recalling names and faces or places
- Forgetting appointments
- Difficulties managing finances
- Losing the thread of conversation
- Lack of concentration
- Changes in usual behaviour
Some of the difficulties are quite normal, however, if they are becoming more frequent, or are causing concern, please consider:-
- Making an appointment to see your doctor who will talk to you in more detail about the changes you have noticed. This may include the doctor asking you a range of questions to assess your memory. (See Speaking to your Doctor).
Depending on your discussion with your doctor a referral may be considered for further assessment.
Common causes of changes in memory function include:-
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Menopause
- Fatigue
- Low mood
- Excessive alcohol and / or drug abuse
- Dementia
- Illness affecting the heart or brain such as blood pressure, stroke, diabetes etc
If you have concerns regarding any of these areas, it is important to have them checked out to identify the cause. Once the cause is known, treatment options may be available.
These could include:-
- Treatment for physical causes, e.g. blood pressure
- Specialist support to help with stress, anxiety, low mood, including lifestyle changes
- Advice about techniques for coping with problems related to memory decline
- Medication for certain types of dementia
All of the above options tend to be more effective in the early stages of the condition, which is why it is important to have a specialist assessment as early as possible once you notice any consistent changes.
