Reducing the stigma of Dementia

The local Alzheimer’s Scotland Branch and NHS Western Isles are working together to raise awareness of Dementia locally and reduce the stigma surrounding the condition, during Dementia Awareness Week.

According to recent data, around 230 people are diagnosed with Dementia in the Western Isles (with more than 400 people in our community estimated to actually have Dementia). The local Dementia Awareness Week, which this year takes place between June 7 and June 14, is a key opportunity to raise awareness of the condition locally.

A common misconception is that old age causes Dementia. In fact 80 per cent of people over 80 stay mentally alert. Most of us become a little forgetful from time to time, and this is quite normal.

Up to 66,000 people in Scotland currently have Dementia, affecting about two per cent of people aged 65 to 70, and five per cent of people aged 70 to 80. But the condition can also affect people in their 40s or 50s or even younger.

Anne Hutchison, NHS Western Isles Mental Health Collaborative Programme Manager said: “The mental health collaborative is working to increase the number of people who have a diagnosis of Dementia. This is because there are benefits to being properly assessed and diagnosed. A formal diagnosis ensures that where appropriate people will be prescribed medication that may delay the progression of Dementia, also a diagnosis ensures that the patient is assessed by their GP every 15 months and at this time the carers needs are also assessed.”

Alzheimer Scotland Service Manager (Lewis and Harris) Katie MacPherson said: “Dementia is the general term for a gradual progressive decline in a person’s memory and other mental abilities, whereas Alzheimer’s Disease is an illness of the brain which causes Dementia. It is worth remembering that there are many causes of memory problems and confusion, and some of them can be treated. It is very important to have a proper diagnosis. If you have been feeling forgetful or confused but have not been told by a doctor that you have Dementia, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

“Dementia is a serious illness, and it will gradually have more and more of an effect on your life. But there are three important positive things to know – there is life after a diagnosis of Dementia; you are not alone; and you can help yourself. Although there is no current cure, there are drug treatments which can help some people, and other therapies may help the person deal with the effects of the illness.”

For people with Dementia changes are very gradual, and the person may stay the same for months or years. Depending on the individual, they may at first have trouble finding words, finishing thoughts, following directions, or remembering names and other information. They may sometimes get irritable and frustrated. They may feel confused, and friends and family may notice changes in personality, mood or behaviour. Increasingly there may be problems with remembering and thinking as time goes on.

Many people don’t understand enough about Dementia, and may have ideas about what people with Dementia are like, and what they can and can’t do. This is why the local Alzheimer Scotland branch works tirelessly to raise awareness of how Dementia really impacts on the life of an individual with the condition, and their family.

Katie stresses: “Just because someone has Dementia doesn’t mean they can’t keep doing the things they want to do, including maintaining their interests such as gardening, reading, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.”

For further information please contact your local Alzheimer Scotland, 18 Bells Road, Stornoway, tel. 01851 702123 or email [email protected] There is also a free 24 hour Dementia Helpline available on 0808 808 3000 which you can call at any time for information or simply to talk.

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