30 Dementia - Awareness of Possible Memory Problems or Cognitive Decline

Memory problems do not necessarily signpost dementia: depression, accidental brain injury or other conditions may be  the cause. With this in mind, as a start, much of dementia friendliness towards a person with memory difficulties hinges on a family member, friend, neighbour, or another person becoming aware of seeming memory problems. Secondly, a sensitive approach may be needed to encourage a person to seek a professional assessment, usually by their GP.

A key is a basic knowledge and understanding of the main dementias, typical symptoms, and characteristic behaviours associated with memory problems. Typically, this will come from books, the internet, and so on: other sources are to hand. Of the latter, four examples are given in this post.

They are: 

1. An awareness and information session for prospective Dementia Friends - taking about one hour which is delivered by a Dementia Friends Champion
2. Trained staff at a NHS Health Check conducted in the public health staff of the district council (This will be for residents from 40 to 74 years.)
3. Nursing, etc staff at a hospital making a NHS assessment for those over 75 years staying in hospital at least 72 hours
4. Fire service staff following a call for assistance, eg at a fire incident or some other reason. They carry out an on-the-spot assessment of possible cognitve impairment in a person over 60 years - this would be carried out by fire and rescue service staff who are specially trained.