| Alzheimer’s Society |
 Alzheimer’s Society is the leading dementia care and research charity in the UK. As well as Alzheimer’s disease you may be aware of other types of dementia such as Picks Disease, Vascular Dementia, Korsakoff’s syndrome, Lewie Bodies and Creusfeldt Jacobs Disease (CJD)There are over 700,000 people with dementia in UK. But it is still not something everyone is familiar with. Because of our aging population this number is expected to grow to over 1m in the next 15 years. It’s important to know that dementia is a physical disease – not a mental one. Most forms are progressive and currently untreatable. Brain function slowly deteriorates as brain cells die. 1 in 3 people over 65 die with dementia. The Society is a charity and relies hugely on donations from the general public of all kinds – from monthly direct debits, one off donations, sponsored walks and runs and gifts in supporters Wills. All of the money that people give to the Alzheimer’s Society goes towards amazing work. Over 30,000 people per week make use of services and support provided by the Society for people with dementia and their carers; a further 1million people per year make use of the information provided by the Society. We provide day care, day activities, home care, befriending and carer support. People with dementia often need help to enjoy organise and enjoy activities as well as needing more comprehensive care in later stages. We also run services such as Memory Cafes, Tea Dances, Singing for the Brain groups and the creation of Memory books. Often the most important thing about these groups is that they are providing a space to meet others in similar situations. It is a safe space where it is possible to relax, interact and provide support. Engaging with one another in a non-threatening situation drinking tea, dancing, singing and talking creates feelings of belonging and community. To provide immediate information and advice for all Alzheimer’s Society run a national telephone helpline and an online support network. This ensures that nobody has to be left in the dark or unsure when they are first diagnosed. It means that there is always somebody there to answer questions and to talk to in confidence. They also have an online network which provides 24 hour peer support and advice, and provide a full range of factsheets on legal, medical or social advice and about the many aspects of caring or living with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the possible causes and cures of dementia. With a team of over 170 carers, former carers and people with dementia who set the research priorities and sit on the grant panels this ensures that the focus of the research team and the funding directly addresses the real needs of people with dementia. If you would like to find out more please contact the Alzheimer’s Society by phone on 020 7423 3500, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or via the website www.alzheimers.org.uk . If you would like detailed advice about living with dementia or are worried about your memory please call the helpline on 0845 300 0336. |
