Alzheimer's & Memory Loss

What is Alzheimer's/Dementia?

The word 'dementia' is used to describe a group of symptoms, these include a decline in judgement and understanding, memory loss, confusion and mood changes. Alzheimer's is a disease that causes dementia, and it is the most common cause of dementia. Other diseases that can cause dementia are Vascular dementia, dementia with lewy bodies an frontotemporal dementia.

Diagnosing dementia and which type of dementia someone has is important. Your GP is the first person to contact if you have any worries about your health. If your GP does suspect you have dementia then it is likely you will be referred to a memory clinic or specialist.

There are many reasons why people become forgetful, some medicines and drugs can also affect memory.

You should see you GP if you or your family and friends are worried about any changes in;

• Memory
• General mental functioning
• Ability to carry out daily tasks
• Personality
• Behaviour

Reducing the risks of dementia? there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent dementia but there are ways to work around and lower the risk. Leading a healthy lifestyle and participating in regular exercise will help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, and it's likely you could be minimising the risk of dementia too.

Does dementia run in the family? - As dementia is common, many of us may have a relative who suffers from the living condition, but this does not mean we will develop it as well.

Websites you might find useful:

Dementia UK

Alzheimer's UK

Warrington Borough Council

Dementia Café

Meets on the first Monday of each month from 10.00am until 12.00pm at

The Clock Tower café
The Gateway
85-101 Sankey Street
Warrington
WA1 1SR

The dementia café welcomes people who have dementia and their carers to meet others in an informal and supportive environment.

We offer:

• Dementia Adviser service – an information, advice and guidance service provided to people who are living with dementia, either during their diagnosis or later on.  
• Dementia Support service – works with both carers and people with dementia, providing emotional support, information and guidance to enable people to live as independently as possible.

If you would like any further information on our services, please contact our local office on 0151 420 8010 or warrington@alzheimers.org.uk

Music & Memory

A Voice for dementia in Warrington

"Music & Memory" is all about using singing to bring together and help people affected by dementia. It's open to anyone in the Warrington area with dementia, their carers, family and friends. The aim is to provide a mutual, shared, enjoyable experience.

"Singing has been shown to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. Many people with dementia and their carers have said that it helps them to feel better." NHS England

Meetings are held on the second and the fourth Monday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30pm at:

The Salvation Army Community Centre,

Academy Street,

Warrington,

WA1 2BQ.

Sessions cost £1.50 per person to cover running costs.

For more information please contact musicandmemory.warrington@gmail.com or call 07597 341253

LiveWire Warrington

Dementia Friendly Activities Programme

For further information and support about living with dementia and to hear about advisory services and local groups please contact your local Alzheimer’s Society Office (Warrington Branch) on 0151 420 8010.