What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used for a range of diseases that affect the brain. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, but there are many others.
Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include:
- memory loss
- confusion and needing help with daily tasks
- problems with language and understanding
- changes in behaviour.
Dementia is progressive, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over time. There are many types of dementia but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. The next most common is Vascular Dementia.
What causes dementia?
Dementia is not a natural part of aging. It is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain.
Nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain, and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.
Dementia can be caused by many different diseases. These diseases affect the brain in different ways, resulting in different types of dementia.
Help and support services
If you care for someone or are worried about the loss of mental abilities or forgetfulness, consult your GP.
The Carers Emergency Alert Card
The Carers Emergency Alert Card will identify you as a carer in the event of an accident. It is credit-card-size so it will fit in a wallet or purse. The card only has your unique PIN number and contact details for the Connected Care Service. No personal information is recorded on the card.
More information on the Carers Emergency Alert Card
Shared Lives Haringey
Shared Lives is for adults who need a little extra support and want to live in a family home environment – a bit like foster care, but for adults. You are carefully matched with a Shared Lives carer, who share their home and family, supporting you to develop your skills, work towards goals and supports you in being more independent. You could spend the day, stay for a short break, or move in – it’s flexible to your needs.
More information on Shared Lives Haringey
Alzheimer’s Society
Find services near you, connect with others online and check out the symptom checklist on the Alzheimer’s Society website. A Dementia support line is available if you are affected by dementia, worried about a diagnosis or a carer, trained staff are ready to give you the support you need.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website
Memory Service
Offering assessment, treatment and support for residents aged over 65 experiencing memory difficulties. A GP or local hospital referral is needed to access this service.
Visit the Memory Service website to find out more
The Haynes Centre Dementia Hub
The Haynes Centre is a specialist dementia hub that provides different levels of support to adults with a dementia diagnosis.
Services include a day service, an information hub, a carers' support group, and a monthly social group for carers and people with dementia.
The Hub offers preventative and delaying activities. You can access the hub yourself or by family, GP or social worker referral. This is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Visit the Haynes Dementia Hub page for more information
Singing for the Brain
Singing for the Brain is a fun and social activity for people living with dementia and their carers. It improves your brain activity, wellbeing and mood, and you don’t need to be a good singer to benefit. You can attend with a friend, family member or carer.
These sessions are free, and refreshments are provided.
Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website to find out more
Dementia Friendly drop ins
The drop ins hosted by Haringey Reach and Connect are for over 50s living in Haringey. They can help you meet new people, connect you to services and link you in with your community.
Find out more about Dementia-Friendly drop-ins
Other community support services
Search Haricare for local services to help people affected by dementia. This includes specialist home care services and care homes, and day opportunities.
Become a Dementia Friend
If you want to learn more about dementia and the small ways you can support those living with and caring for dementia, join us at our next session.
Some other useful contacts
- Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122
- Find local services at Dementia Connect
- Join the Talking Point discussion forum for people affected by dementia
- Haringey Council's social care team can advise on power of attorney and the Mental Health Act
