Dementia Dementia There are estimated to be around 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK. In Northamptonshire, there are an estimated 9,163 people over the age of 65 who are living with dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe over 200 subtypes of dementia, for example, Alzheimer's disease, Vascular Dementia. Each type of dementia stops a person's brain cells working properly in specific area - affecting their ability to remember, think and speak. Dementia is progressive, the symptoms will gradually get worse; dementia progresses at different rates in different people. Symptoms of dementia include: Memory problems Issues with reasoning Finding planning and making decisions hard Showing behaviour changes Low mood and anxiety Becoming easily confused Showing mood or emotional changes Experiencing hallucinations Having problems walking, speaking or swallowing Daily tasks become more difficult to do alone We recognise that caring for someone with dementia can have have its challenges. However, by caring for someone with dementia, you are helping someone you love to live as independently and well as they can for as long as they can. It is really important that more people are diagnosed earlier. An early diagnosis helps you to access: The right support to live as well as possible, including treatment to help you with symptoms Information to help you and other understand the changes that you or the person you care for are experiencing Any benefits or legal protection you may be entitled to. Speaking to your GP about your concerns is the starting point. Northamptonshire Carers offers support to unpaid Carers supporting someone with dementia. We offer emotional and practical support through our Support Line and groups. We can help you better understand dementia, the needs of your cared for person, and your own feelings. We also work with the Memory Assessment Service in Northamptonshire to support people suffering from dementia. We run these services specifically for people whose lives are impacted by dementia: Manage Cookie Preferences