9 – 15 June 2025

We all feel lonely at times, it is a natural emotion. By building a greater awareness and acceptance of loneliness, we can help ourselves to manage the feeling.

Loneliness awareness week is hosted by Marmalade Trust. Their aim is to reduce the stigma of loneliness. The aim of this week is to raise awareness of loneliness and to get people talking about it. The theme this year is ‘Meeting Loneliness Together’.  For more details of the week click here.

Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health especially during and since the pandemic. The connection to other people and community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, regardless of age or background. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass. But for a growing number of people, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Loneliness will be felt differently for everyone, it may still occur when you have loving support around you. It’s not always the number of social contacts but the perception of those relationships that count. Feeling lonely is different from being alone.

Things you should know about loneliness

Loneliness is a natural feeling

Most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives. Loneliness doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you, it’s just your body’s way of letting you know that you’re not getting your social needs met. Like hunger telling you to eat.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed or shameful about being lonely.

Loneliness can affect you at any age

It is generally thought that the older community are more likely to feel lonely, but this isn’t the case, people aged 16-24 are now the most likely group to be affected by loneliness.

There are various reasons for feeling lonely

Certain life events, such as a bereavement can trigger such feelings, even if other family members rally around in support.

Loneliness can be caused by many other things including leaving the workplace, children or friends moving away, debilitating health condition or illness, no longer being able to participate in normal hobbies or activities and lack of access to transport. Emotional loneliness can happen in relationships and families, where you have people in your life, but you don’t feel close to or understood by them.

We are all different and you may not know someone is feeling lonely unless they tell you.

Loneliness is temporary

You may not realise it if you are feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, but it won’t last forever and you can take steps to feel better.

Loneliness should improve with time. However, often it’s advisable to address the situation in the early stages to prevent it becoming a chronic issue. Loneliness is now being recognised for its damaging effects, such as mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues, and sleep problems, it is therefore important to try and overcome the feeling of isolation.

Loneliness is not a mental health condition. However, if left unchecked, loneliness can start to affect both your mental and physical health.

What can you do if you’re feeling Lonely?

• Catch up with friends – Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.
• Make new friends – Join local groups or classes based on your interests, not only will you be doing something you enjoy, you’ll meet new people with similar interests.
• Help others by volunteering – Giving to others is a great way to boost your wellbeing. It can give a sense of purpose and create feelings of positivity. It is also a great way to meet new people whilst helping the local community.
• Do things you enjoy – Plan your week to include activities that you enjoy and make you feel good.
• Learn a new skill – Continued learning throughout your life helps to enhance your self-esteem and encourages social interactions.
• Spend time outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside.
• Focus on the positives – When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes be in a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, remembering happy times or identifying at least one thing each day to be thankful for can help you to think more positively.
• Look after yourself – Self-care is essential. Make sure you are sleeping well, eating healthily and being as active as possible. Prioritise looking after yourself.
• It’s good to talk – If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone about how you are feeling, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation.

However lonely you are feeling, there is always something you can do to feel better. Loneliness Awareness Week is a good time to start to make a positive change.

Useful links

• NHS
• Samaritans
• Mind
• AnxietyUK
• Mental Health Foundation
• Marmalade Trust

9-15 June 2025

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers of all ages face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. For more details click here.

The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘Caring about Equality’. Calling for an equal society where carers are truly valued, recognised and supported. Carers Week provides a vital opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges facing carers and to connect more carers to available support.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work can be significant. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough.  It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces, and society, and that they get the support they need.

Caring for someone has many positive and rewarding aspects to it and it can be the most loving thing you can do for someone else. It can, however, also be challenging, leaving you feeling exhausted and in some cases can be extremely lonely and isolating. If you find you are struggling it is important to ask for help and support.

Caring for elderly parents

Our parents bring us up and do everything for us when we are children, so it can come as a shock when they start to require care themselves. As people age or develop disabilities, you may need to ask for help to take care of elderly parents.

Persuading parents to accept help can be difficult, but it’s important that everybody is open and honest about their hopes and fears. Explain to your parents that you are worried they are struggling to manage.

A big decision you and your parents may have to make is about whether they will receive at-home care or if they will move into a residential care home, this may consist of sheltered housing, assisted living or a nursing home. Talk to specialists and those involved in your parents’ care, such as their GP, any social workers involved or staff at care homes. Ensure you involve your parents and ask them their views.

Caring for someone with dementia

Caring for someone with Dementia can be daunting, challenging, and exhausting. Here are some things to consider.

• Accept support – this support may come from other members of your family, a professional or a support group. Just don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. This help will allow you to take a break and have some time to yourself.
• Be empathetic – as a carer compassion and empathy are at the heart of what you are doing. Be patient and understanding, don’t criticize and judge.
• Look after their overall wellbeing – make sure the person with dementia regularly has their physical health monitored and ensure they receive the appropriate health advice or treatment. It’s important they remain active, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
• Dementia specific support – seek out advice, support, education, and training. This could involve investigating local services, joining a social or peer support group.
• Be positive – focus on their strengths and think about what they can still do, rather than what they can’t. Prioritise things that bring them peace and joy and avoid negative comments.
• Be realistic – those with dementia will have good and bad days. Be realistic about the course of the disease, remember that most types of dementia are irreversible and progressive.
• Plan ahead – when caring for someone with dementia things will change, so you should prepare for a time when your loved one may need more care than you can provide, this may be provided from a professional coming into their home each day or with your loved one moving into a residential setting. You will need to prepare yourself for this emotionally and plan financially for this change. For more information read our guide here.

Caring for someone with a disability

Looking after someone with a physical disability can be physically demanding for you as a carer. An important part of your role is to make sure the person you care for has the best quality of life possible by helping them to be as independent as possible.

There is no ideal way to care for someone with a disability. Each person is different, each with a different disability.  Here are some things you can do to help make life as a carer that little bit easier for you both:

• Take time to understand their illness or condition – the term disability is varied. Its therefore important for you to research the disability itself to help understand the challenges it’s likely to present. This knowledge can help you empathise more with your loved one.
• Focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities – when caring for a disabled person at home, it’s easy to focus on what they can’t do and do it for them. In order to be as independent as possible, it’s important to try to encourage them to do as many of the things they can themselves, and only step in when they really need help.
• Think ahead – all types of disabilities will present unexpected challenges every day. Planning for emergencies in advance can enable you to respond as well as possible to the unexpected.

If you can its useful for you to attend health appointments with your loved one where possible, taking a list of questions with you so that you can be fully informed.

Another thing you might want to think ahead about is making legal arrangements. For instance, has your loved one made a will and do they have a power of attorney in place.   

Young carers

A young carer is someone under 18 who looks after a parent or another family member who is ill or help them by looking after other members of the family while they can’t. They take on physical and emotional duties like bathing and dressing of the person they are caring for or cooking meals for younger siblings and helping them to get ready for school and bed each day.    

It can be hard work, scary at times and isolating and may lead them to miss school or being bullied.  Many young people cope well with caring, especially if you have support from other family members, but it’s important for them to look after themselves. This may involve talking to a teacher or school counsellor.  There is also lots of organisations providing help, like Young Minds and Barnardo’s.

Financial assistance for carers

Having the right financial aid can really help when caring for a loved one at home. There are a range of different benefits that offer that little bit of extra support, including:

• Carer’s Allowance – if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits you could get a weekly allowance.  You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.  For more details click here.
• Carer’s Credit -a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your NI record. You’re eligible for this if you care for someone at least 20 hours a week. For more details click here.
• Disability Living Allowance for Children – may be payable if you care for a disabled child. For more details click here.
• Carer Premium – an additional amount of money paid on top of other benefits you might already be claiming. You can claim the premium if you receive any of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Pension and Tax Credits, or Council Tax. For more details click here.

Additionally, depending on your age and circumstances you may also be entitled to Pension Credit and additional local welfare assistance. Click here for more info.

Caring for yourself

Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting, you may be getting up several times in the night, you may have to lift an adult who is heavier than you, or you may be juggling caring whilst also holding down a job. You may also have the emotional distress of seeing a loved one suffering.

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else’s health. Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care for too.  Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Caring for others can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental health conditions including depression. The tips below may help:

• Eat well
• Sleep well
• Enjoy some time for yourself
• Get exercise when you can
• Consider trying meditation or mindfulness
• Write in a journal about what you are going through and how you feel
• If you are working request compassionate leave or flexible working

Recognising your own needs will help you balance caring with the rest of your life; it will also ensure you are physically and mentally well enough to care for your loved one as well as you can.

As a carer you may experience a range of emotions, including feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, stress, and fatigue. All these feelings are natural but to overcome them, some of the tips below may help:

• Talk to others in a similar situation or join a support group
• Seek out the national organisation devoted to the condition or illness that you are dealing with
• Ask other members of the family for help to give you a break and avoid burnout
• Speak to a counsellor, therapist, or your GP about how you are feeling
• Try to set some time aside for yourself every day and do something you enjoy

Support & Sources of Information

• NHS
• Gov UK
• Carers Trust
• Young Minds
• Barnardo’s
• Age UK
• Carers UK
• Citizen Advice

11-17 May 2025

Whatever stage of your life that you are in, it’s important to understand and look after your physical and mental health. You may be preparing for pregnancy, going through the menopause, or looking for answers to a general health query.

Physical Health

It’s important to look after your physical health, this should include exercise, healthy eating and ensuring you get enough sleep.

Exercise helps both your physical and mental health, so it’s important to stay active. A few hours of gentle exercise a week will release endorphins that make you feel energised. This could be as simple as a walk, a run, a cycle ride, dancing or even some gardening. In simple terms exercising makes you feel good.

For more details on looking after your physical health read our guide here.

For more details on eating well, read our healthy eating guide here.

Sleep

You spend about a third of your life asleep. Sleep is essential, it is as important to your body as eating, drinking, and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.  Sleeping helps you to recover from mental as well as physical exertion.

For more details, read our sleep guide here.

The main physical health issues that women face are:

Cancer

According to Cancer Research UK breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK females, accounting for almost a third (30%) of all female cases. The next most common cancers in UK females are lung cancer and bowel cancer. Breast, lung, and bowel cancers together account for over half of all new cases in females in the UK.

Breast cancer

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.

There’s a good chance of recovery if it’s detected at an early stage.

It’s vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.

Gynaecological cancers

There are five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal, but awareness levels of these cancers is very low.

The most common of these cancers is womb (also known as endometrial or uterine).

Preventing cancers

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent cancers. The following measures will help you reduce your risk of cancer:

• Take part in the cervical and breast screening programmes provided by the NHS
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture.

Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45) or they’ve had their ovaries removed.  Women will lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.  Endometriosis can affect women of any age. 

It’s a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

Fertility & Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking about trying for a baby, then it’s important to think about your health. If you smoke or drink alcohol, now is a good time to stop.  Ensure you are eating a balanced diet and taking a folic acid supplement. If you have a long-term medical condition or take regular medication, it’s important to talk to your GP before trying to conceive.

For everything you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy and birth read the NHS guide here.

Some people get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. According to the NHS 1 in couples may have difficulty conceiving.  It’s a good idea to see a GP if you have not conceived after a year of trying.

Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who’s already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner. The GP can then check for common causes of fertility problems and suggest treatments that could help.

Menopause

The menopause is a natural stage of life that millions of women experience. It is marked by changes in hormones and the ending of menstruation. It can also bring many other physical and emotional changes. Millions of women go through the menopause and there is great support available.

In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51, but the menopause commonly happens any time between the ages of 42 and 56 as a woman’s estrogen levels decline.  But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause and may be caused by hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy, radiation, or a hysterectomy.

Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer. 

It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.

The menopause is a natural turning point in a woman’s life that marks the end of the menstrual cycle and childbearing years. For more information on the menopause read our guide by clicking here.

Mental Health

According to Mental Health Foundation, in England, around one in five women has a common mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or self-harm.

Women generally find it easier to talk about their feelings and have stronger social networks than men, both of which can help protect their mental health.

It’s as important to look after your mental health as it is your physical health. For more details, read our mental health guide here.

Depression

Women are more likely to experience depression than men.  This may be due to factors such as isolation, and hormonal changes. Around 10- 20% of women experience depression while they’re pregnant or after giving birth.

Women have a longer life expectancy than men, meaning they’re more likely to experience the mental health difficulties that can come with older age. Losses such as bereavement or loss of independence can lead to depression.

Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and may include suicidal feelings. For more details of depression click here.

If you are feeling depressed, then it’s important to talk to your GP and get help.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of stress, panic, worry or fear, which can be mild or severe.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.

Some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. If your feelings of anxiety are your daily life, then it’s important to talk to your GP and get help.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are not about food or weight but are attempts to deal with emotional and stress related issues.

Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly affected.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of an eating disorder, early intervention is vital. So, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible.

Stress Awareness

It’s important to put measures in place to reduce any stress you are feeling and to take a moment to think about your own wellbeing and find out more on how to manage stress. For more details, read our stress awareness guide here.

Want to learn more? Access our wellbeing hub here.

May 2025

May is National Walking month. With the evenings being lighter for longer, May is a great month to get outside and start walking.  With 2 bank holidays in May, there is no excuse not to get outside and go for a walk. 

Spending time in nature can boost your overall wellbeing. It can improve your mood, reduce your stress level, reduce anxious thoughts, and make you feel more relaxed.

Walking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, it has so many physical and mental health benefits for all ages and abilities.  A short 20–30-minute walk can reduce the risk of several preventable health conditions, including some cancers, depression, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.  By swapping a short drive for a short walk, you can also help reduce air pollution, congestion, and fuel costs.

Many diseases, conditions, and ailments can be prevented by participating in regular physical activity. Even moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as walking can provide these incredible health benefits.

Physical Health Benefits

• Helps lose or maintain a healthy weight
• Lowers risk of heart disease & improves cardiovascular endurance
• Lowers the risk of having a stroke
• Lowers the risk of several types of cancer
• Regulates blood pressure & cholesterol
• Helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes
• Helps ease arthritis pain & stiffness
• Strengthens muscles & bones and prevents osteoporosis
• Improves circulation
• Increases metabolism
• Keeps your lungs healthy
• Stimulates digestion
• Helps to regulate hormones and alleviate menstrual cramps
• Boosts your immune system
• Increases your Vitamin D intake
• Promotes healthier skin and hair growth
• Improves balance and lowers risk of falls

Mental Health Benefits

• Helps with relaxation and stress relief
• Reduces anxiety
• Lowers risk of depression
• Improves your mood
• Helps you sleep better
• Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improves energy levels & fights fatigue
• Can stop food cravings
• Improves cognition & creativity
• Can help lower risk of dementia
• Boosts productivity & performance
• Improves overall quality of life
• A healthy way to spend time with family and friends

These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime, start your day with a walk, or have walking meetings, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.

If you don’t enjoy walking, try going with a friend or family member, or listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks while you walk.  You could set yourself a daily step goal and track your steps using your watch, an App, or a pedometer, you may even discover new routes in your local area. 

Alternatively, travel further to visit some of the UK’s beautiful areas of outstanding natural beauty, national parks or woodland areas.  If you’d like more of a challenge, try walking one of the nation’s top 10 walks according to The National Trust.

Wherever you decide to walk this May, just get outside, enjoy nature, clear your mind, and spend time with family and friends.

Want to learn more? Access our wellbeing hub here.

12 – 18 May 2025

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any time of the year, but mental health awareness week is a great time to show your support for better mental health and looking after your own wellbeing.

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, this year is ‘Community’. The purpose of the week is to celebrate the power and importance of community. For more details of the week click here.

The week is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on providing help and support. Most of us thrive when we have strong connections with others and supportive communities around us.

People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected. Communities can provide you with a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give purpose.

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year*. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Here are a few easy tips on how to look after your mental health.

• Connect with other people – talk to others about how you’re feeling on a regular basis. This could be a friend, a family member or a colleague. Whether its face to face, by text or email or on the phone. Good relationships will help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth.  They will also provide you with emotional support and allow you to support others. 

• Keep Learning – research shows that learning new skills will boost your self-confidence and raise your self-esteem, help you to build a sense of purpose and help you to connect with others.  You may want to learn a new language, improve your cooking or your DIY skills. Creative hobbies can also boost our confidence. If you’re trying out a new hobby, track your progress and you’ll feel a sense of achievement as your skills improve.

• Give to Others – Helping someone else feels good, as it gives us a sense of worth. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Research suggests that acts of giving will create positive feelings and a sense of reward, helping you connect with others. This could be doing a local litter pick, volunteering at the dog’s home or food bank or helping an elderly neighbour.

• Eat & Drink Healthily – a varied diet can help both our physical and mental wellbeing. Eating regular meals can ward off dips in blood sugar that can leave us feeling irritable and tired, and drinking lots of water can improve concentration and help us think more clearly.

• Be Active – staying active can make a big difference to both our physical and mental wellbeing.  It will help raise your self-esteem, help you to set goals and challenges and cause chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood.   This may be a brisk walk to clear your mind, yoga to calm your thoughts, or a high impact exercise class to de-stress. The key is to find activities you enjoy.  Plan activities with a friend for a greater commitment and to stay connected with others.

• Be Mindful – Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.  This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.  For more details click here.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help. So, it’s even more important to look after your own mental health when working on the frontline.

Here are some tips:

• Think about your purpose: Be clear about why you are doing this job.

• Be clear on expectations: Make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.

• Keep your boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.

• Talk to colleagues: Make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.

• Value your own family and relationships: While work is important, your family and relationshipsneed to be valued.

• Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax, and increase your overall wellbeing.

• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious. Read our sleep guide here.

• Eat well: A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. Read our healthy eating guide here.

• Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.

• Keep in touch: It’s good for you to catch up with friends and family face to face or over the phone.

• Take a break: A change of scenery or pace is good for you.

• Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself can help beat stress

• Care for others: Supporting others uplifts you as well as them.

• Ask for help: If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for details.

Making positive change is more important than ever, but it’s difficult to know where to start. Do one thing today, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill, or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else, take the opportunity to do one thing during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Whatever you’ve been through this year, Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to make a positive change for your mental health.

Useful links:

• NHS

• Samaritans

• Mind

• AnxietyUK

• Mental Health Foundation

* Time to Change. Attitudes to Mental Illness 2014 Research Report

Want to learn more? Access our wellbeing hub here.

19 – 25 May 2025

Dementia Action Week run by the Alzheimer’s Society is to raise awareness of the importance of a timely and accurate diagnosis for people affected by dementia. For more details click here.

There are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Dementia can affect a person at any age, but it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65 years, with the condition affecting 1 in 6 people over the age of 80.  If somebody develops dementia before the age of 65, they are described as having young onset dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, and it can also be a secondary condition of another disease, such as

Parkinsons. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

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.

Signs that could indicate a person has Dementia

• Memory problems – people with dementia might have problems retaining new information. They might get lost in previously familiar places and may struggle with names. Relatives might notice the person seems increasingly forgetful, misplacing things regularly.

• Cognitive ability – people with dementia may have difficulty processing information. This could be their perception of time or a place, for example, getting up in the middle of the night to go to work, even though they’re retired. Also, their concentration could be affected. There may be a difficulty when shopping with choosing the items and then paying for them. For some people the ability to reason and make decisions may also be affected. Some may get a sense of restlessness and prefer to keep moving than sit still; others may be reluctant to take part in activities they used to enjoy.

• Communication – people with dementia may repeat themselves often or have difficulty finding the right words. Reading and writing might become challenging.

• Changes in behaviour – they might experience changes in personality, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. They can lose interest in seeing others socially. Following and engaging in conversation can be difficult and tiring, and so a formerly outgoing person might become quieter and more introverted. Their self-confidence might also be affected.

• Differences engaging with their surroundings – people with dementia can experience changes in vision and hearing as their brain processes information in a different way. People can view everyday items in their home and in the outside world in a different way such as walking round the rug in the living rooms, becoming hesitant getting into the car, being apprehensive stepping off the kerb. Some people can find noisy places very disturbing and can find it challenging to participating in large group conversations.

Everybody assumes the first sign of dementia is memory loss, but this not always the case. The other signs described above can change earlier. The changes can be intermittent and vary in their severity. People living with dementia can often describe a feeling of mist coming over them and then lifting. These symptoms of dementia gradually get worse over time. How quickly this happens varies from person to person and some people stay independent for years.

If you or your loved one are showing symptoms associated with dementia it is important to contact your GP. There are many conditions that have similar symptoms to dementia, including, infections, thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnoea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dementia Diagnosis and Next Steps

To establish if dementia is present, a GP will take a medical and family history of the person and will screen them for mental health and cognitive issues by asking questions, testing concentration, short term memory, mood, and behaviour changes.  The GP may then request blood tests, an MRI or CT scan to examine the structure of the brain or request a chest X-ray to check for any chest conditions. They may also refer the person to a memory service/clinic, or to a specialist for further investigation and assessment.

If a diagnosis of dementia is given, the GP should then ensure that the person with the diagnosis and their family are made aware of any specialist advice and support services in their area, as well as referring them for further assessments and treatments that may help.

Dementia UK have produced a next steps checklist, to help in the early days after your family member has received a diagnosis of dementia, click here for more information. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.

Being diagnosed with dementia can understandably cause distress and a feeling of hopelessness, and some people may feel anxious or depressed. It may be that the person is finding it difficult to adjust emotionally. Equally, the dementia changes happening in the brain can make it difficult to control their emotions.

The person with dementia may also struggle to understand the emotions of those around them. Understanding and recognising the impact of these symptoms may help you to understand the reasons the person is showing distress and help you to give the best type of support.

Family members are equally likely to have difficulty in accepting the diagnosis and the changes dementia can cause to the person and the relationship they have with them. It’s important to ensure everybody takes the time to understand how one another is feeling.

There is evidence that people living with dementia can remain healthy, with a good sense of wellbeing, by being active and socially engaged. People who focus on their strengths, and the things they like and want to do, are able to cope better with the changes that dementia can bring and can continue enjoying their life.

Caring for someone with Dementia

Caring for someone with Dementia can be daunting, challenging, and exhausting. You may be caring for a parent, a partner, an elderly relative, or a friend with dementia, whoever it is, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition but also ensure you also care for yourself. Here are some things to consider.

• Accept support – this support may come from other members of your family, a professional or a support group. Just don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. This help will allow you to take a break and have some time to yourself. It may also lead to you making new friends who understand what you are going through. You may learn more about the condition and how other carers deal with the challenges it brings.

• Be empathetic – as a carer compassion and empathy are at the heart of what you are doing. Be patient and understanding, don’t criticize and judge. Listen and be interested in what they are telling you, even if they have told you many times before.

• Look after their overall wellbeing – make sure the person with dementia regularly has their physical health monitored and ensure they receive the appropriate health advice or treatment. It’s important they remain active, this could include walking, gardening, or dancing. A balanced diet is also essential, including drinking plenty of fluids (ideally water) and reducing the amount of caffeine and alcohol they drink. If they smoke, help, and encourage them to stop. Smoking can increase the risk of physical and cognitive conditions. Getting enough sleep is also vital as poor sleep can affect concentration and cognitive function. Where you can, try and adapt the person’s home to make it as safe and comfortable for them as possible.

• Dementia Specific Support – seek out advice, support, education, and training. This could involve investigating local services, joining a social or peer support group. Which can be attended in person or online. It can be helpful to know other people who have similar experiences and who may have some good advice and support to offer. Identify dementia friendly places to visit and understand how to make travel more dementia friendly. There are several dementia charities and organisations who have great websites providing information, support, tips, and activities. Details can be found at the end of this guide.

• Be positive – focus on their strengths and think about what they can still do, rather than what they can’t. Prioritise things that bring them peace and joy, such as listening to music, dancing, or walking in the garden. Try to avoid negative comments and correcting the person if they get something wrong or muddled up. Take a day at a time, rather than looking too much in the future. Focus on what is achievable now.

• Be realistic – those with dementia will have good and bad days. Be realistic about the course of the disease, remember that most types of dementia are irreversible and progressive. Dementia will tend to get worse over time and there is no known cure.

• It’s more than memory loss – memory loss is typically the main dementia symptom. But the symptoms experienced will depend on the area of the brain that is most affected. The person with dementia will experience a neurological decline that may lead to other issues. This may be linked totheir behaviour and mood. Towards the later stages of most types of dementia, patients will struggle with everyday living activities, such as dressing and washing independently. They may also become non-communicative, unable to recognise loved ones and even unable to move about. If they are having trouble remembering where they keep things, you could try keeping important items in one, consistent place. Using a whiteboard or similar showing reminders for the person.

• Plan ahead – when caring for someone with dementia things will change, so you should prepare for a time when their loved one may need more care than you can provide, this may be provided from a professional coming into your home each day or with your loved one moving into a residential setting. You will need to prepare yourself for this emotionally and plan financially for this change. You will also need to ensure you have time to find a care home you are happy with. Develop coping strategies to live as well as possible with the diagnosis. Have a family discussion about future plans, including applying for a Lasting Power of Attorney and making an Advance Care Plan. Understand what financial support is available, including attendance allowance and council tax relief.

• Self care – As a carer its essential to look after your own wellbeing. Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting, you may be getting up several times in the night, you may have to lift an adult who is heavier than you, or you may be juggling caring whilst also holding down a job. You may also have the emotional distress of feeling like you are ‘losing’ your loved one. Caring for others can be very stressful and may lead to a mental health illness, such as depression. This is why caring for yourself is vital when you are caring for somebody else. So, ensure you eat and sleep well, do some exercise and take some time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Support & Sources of Information

• Dementia UK

• Alzheimer’s Society

• Alzheimer’s research UK

• Age UK

• Carers UK

• Citizens Advice

• NHS

• Mind

Want to learn more? Access our wellbeing hub here.