18 May 2015
Incontinence UK supports Dementia Awareness Week
Incontinence UK and The Alzehimer’s Society would like to promote Dementia Awareness Week which is taking place this week (17th – 23rd May) and is highlighting the huge numbers of people with this illness who are living in care homes. Celebrity supporters are on board like Dame Judi Dench, Fiona Phillips and Robbie Savage.
According to figures provided by The Alzheimer's Society, over 80 per cent of people in care homes have dementia. There are 800,000 adults – some aged as young as 40 – living with dementia. However becoming forgetful does not necessarily mean that you have dementia as many of us notice that our memory becomes less reliable as we get older. Diagnosing dementia is often difficult, particularly in the early stages. The GP is the first person to consult. The GP may then refer the person being diagnosed to a specialist such as a consultant. Do visit the Alzheimer’s website for information regarding symptoms.
Dementia can happen to anyone and there's currently no cure. It can strip you of your memory, your relationships and your connection to the world you love, leaving you feeling isolated and alone. At The Alzheimer's Society, they believe that life doesn't end when dementia begins, and we should do everything we can to help people living with dementia hold onto their lives and the things they love for longer. We also believe it's possible to do new things and have new experiences, too. And that's what this year's Dementia Awareness Week is all about.
Do Something For Dementia Awareness Week!
There are many ways to get involved, get out and about and do something for Dementia Awareness Week:
- Take Part In an Event either trekking, running or walking
- Campaign or Donate - The Alzheimer’s Society are asking people to make a £3 donation if they can. Just text NEW to 70660 to donate £3 to help people living with dementia.
- Volunteer – Activity Groups, Support Services
Incontinence UK would like to make the journey through dementia as easy as possible.Especially as many people with dementia suffer difficulties with using the toilet and accidents and incontinence can be problems particularly as the condition progresses. These problems can be upsetting for the person and for those around them. However incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of dementia and support is available.
Do take a look at this useful factsheet provided by The Alzheimer’s Society which gives practical tips to help prevent and manage incontinence and visit our Incontinence UK website for help with buying and sourcing incontinence products.
Best wishes
Incontinence UK
www.incontinenceuk.co.uk
