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Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving and language. The changes can be small to begin with but for someone with dementia they may be severe enough to affect daily life.

It is an umbrella term for damage to the brain caused by various diseases such as Alzheimer’s or a series of strokes. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way.

Support

If you are concerned that you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 0330 2221122 (Freephone, 7 days a week) or talk to your GP.

Further information and support is available from:

• Alzheimer's Society
• Dementia Action Alliance
• Dementia Harborough

Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends learn a little bit about what it's like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action: this could be helping someone find the right bus or being patient in a till queue if someone with dementia is taking longer to pay. Being a Dementia Friend isn’t about volunteering or fundraising (though you can do that too if you want). 

Anybody can become a Dementia Friend. It’s just about understanding a bit more about dementia and the small things you can do to help people with the condition.

Become a dementia friend by watching a short video, or join one of the Dementia friends sessions in your area. The Dementia Friends sessions are 1 hour long.

If you would like to find out more or arrange for one of our Dementia Friends Champions to come and run a session for your group or workplace, please contact our Community Safety team, email: communitysafety@harborough.gov.uk.

Dementia Friends is an initiative being run by the Alzheimer’s Society and funded by the government with the aim of helping to create dementia friendly communities throughout the UK.