Dementia

Dementia describes the effects of certain conditions and diseases on a person’s mental ability, personality and behaviour. People with dementia commonly experience problems with memory and the skills needed to carry out everyday activities. There are many different causes of dementia but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause.

Identifying dementia isn't straightforward, but early and accurate diagnosis is important. Your first point of contact is your GP who will discuss your concerns and carry out a series of simple tests and either confirm a diagnosis at that point or advise whether referral for a more specialist diagnosis is necessary. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to share this with those closest to you. Information, advice and support are readily available from the local branches of the major voluntary organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society or Age UK.

It is best for the person with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings in their own home for as long as possible. Norfolk County Council Community Services (Adult Social Services) can provide a range of social care services to support the person with dementia and their carers. For more information, go to the Norfolk County Council website.

Dementia: Hear to help

NHS Norfolk has published three audio recordings to help dementia carers:

1. The first talks about his life as a carer for his wife.

2. The second is a discussion with two female carers and their partners who have dementia.

3. The third gives the professional perspective, focusing on the symptoms of dementia and where and how to get advice and guidance.

The recordings can be downloaded from the carers section on this website.

New initiatives

Expanded dementia care in the community

NHS Norfolk is bringing care closer to home for people living with dementia.

NHS Norfolk is working with Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk County Council, GPs and partners in the independent and voluntary sector.

Thirteen Primary Care Dementia Workers are currently being recruited across the county. They will be qualified mental health staff, working from a number of GP surgeries to help with early assessment and diagnosis, and treatment.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) - a treatment for mild to moderate dementia - is to be expanded to the more rural parts of Norfolk through community mental health teams, and partner organisations such as the Alzheimer's Society.

Education and training about how to care those with dementia is to be expanded. Projects will aim to offer training and education to care staff in hospitals, care homes, domiciliary organisations, day services, charitable organisations and other settings. There will also be regular training sessions from consultant psychiatrists to GPs.

New Dementia Intensive Support Team

A dedicated team is being drafted into two of Norfolk's hospitals to help patients with dementia get home sooner and safely.

The Dementia Intensive Support Team (DIST) will consist of specially trained nurses employed by Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (NWMHFT).

Working in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, they will identify patients whose dementia is the underlying cause of admission, or causing their stay in hospital to be unnecessarily extended.

They will work with hospital staff, the patients and their carers to help them overcome the crisis in their condition so they can return home.

Looking for a local service?

You can find details of local health and social care services, mental health services, and voluntary sector organisations providing information and support for people diagnosed with dementia and their cares on the NHS Norfolk HERON website.

Helpline

National Dementia Helpline 0845 300 0336 can provide information, support, guidance and referrals to other appropriate organisations. The helpline is usually open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.