Welcome

It happens to everyone from time to time. You can’t quite put a name to someone’s face. You forget where you’ve put your keys. You can’t remember where you’ve parked the car. Often such lapses are because of tiredness, stress or simply having too much to do.

But if your forgetfulness – or that of someone you know – is getting worse or is beginning to interfere with everyday life, it can sometimes be the beginning of a specific medical problem such as dementia. Nowadays there is support, advice and a range of material available for people with dementia and their families. There are also treatments which can temporarily alleviate some symptoms, so don’t ignore it – share your worries and seek advice.

If you have always had a poor memory there’s a chance your problems are not caused by dementia. All sorts of things can affect memory, including getting older, and anxiety can make you forgetful too, but if there is a medical reason for your forgetfulness, the earlier you get help the better.

If your memory, or that of someone you care about, is getting worse, if memory lapses are becoming more frequent, or having a knock-on effect on other things such as home, work or relationships, don’t delay:

Make an appointment to visit your GP They can assess you and perhaps refer you to a memory assessment service or specialist for further tests. You might want to take this information along with you to help you explain what you are worried about

Contact Alzheimer’s Society in Somerset They can provide you with information and details of local services who can provide support on 01935 473597

Call Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline They have trained advisers who can provide confidential help and advice.  Call 0300 222 11 22 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday & Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm or email helpline@alzheimers.org.uk

Somerset Dementia Partnership have produced a leaflet ‘Are you concerned about memory loss?’ which offers advice and guidance if you think you, or a family member, may be affected by memory loss.  This leaflet has been developed as part of the Somerset Dementia Strategy work plan.

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