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Writer's pictureEmma Armstrong

Discover Dementia and become a Dementia Friend Today!

What is dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, but the five most common are: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia. Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia and these are commonly called mixed dementia.

What causes dementia?

The brain is made up of nerve cells (neurones) that communicate with each other by sending messages. Dementia damages the nerve cells in the brain so messages can’t be sent from and to the brain effectively, which prevents the body from functioning normally.

Regardless of which type of dementia is diagnosed and what part of the brain is affected, each person will experience dementia in their own unique way.

Dementia in the UK

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. The Alzheimer’s Society (2014) reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. Of these, approximately, 42,000 are people with young onset dementia, which affects people under the age of 65. As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over one million. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.


So... What can we all do to help?

The answer is simple really - Lets work together, lets increase our knowledge and understanding of what we mean when we talk about "living with Dementia". Lets try to reduce , the stigma surrounding those "living with Dementia" and most of all lets build Dementia Friendly communities that enable people to continue to Live Well whilst Living with Dementia.


All sounds so easy right? Well actually, it is...become a Dementia Friend today!


What is a Dementia Friend?


A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.


Too many people affected by dementia feel that society fails to understand the condition they live with. Dementia Friends help by raising awareness and understanding, so that people living with dementia can continue to live in the way they want.


What does a Dementia Friend do?


Dementia Friends help people living with dementia by taking actions - both big and small.

These actions don’t have to be time-consuming. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts! Dementia Friends can also get involved with things like volunteering, campaigning or wearing a badge to raise awareness.


Who can be a Dementia Friend?


Everyone! Dementia Friends is open to anyone who wants to help people with dementia in their community.


Here at T.E.A Training, we are Dementia Champions and we host Dementia Friends information sessions to get you started on your journey as a Dementia Friend. These are Fun and most importantly FREE as part of our commitment to build a community that allows all to thrive!!


Our next Dementia Friends Information session is running on the 30th March - Please get in touch today to book your slot and take part in shaping your communities for the better!


I cant wait to hear from you!




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