Get the right support to live well with Dementia

Residents across Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to contact their GP if they’re experiencing or are worried about signs of dementia in a loved one.

The main signs of dementia include:

• Memory problems
• Changes in your ability to complete normal tasks
• Changes in behaviour
• Problems with language
• Confusion about time or place

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is encouraging residents who are concerned about these symptoms to seek help from their GP as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is crucial to ensuring the right support is put in place so that people can still live well with dementia.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month and the authority is teaming up with Alzheimer’s UK and the Port Vale Foundation to organise a Memory Walk on Saturday 23 September at Burslem Park, to raise awareness of dementia and to improve lives of people affected by it. The walk will take place from 10am to 11am, with interested parties encouraged to meet at Tommy Cheadle’s at Port Vale, where parking will also be available.

People looking to attend the Memory Walk can reserve their free place here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stoke-memory-walk-tickets-706715293467

Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for Adult service said:

“We want people of Stoke-on-Trent to feel comfortable talking about dementia whether it’s with their friends and families or health professionals. We know that the word ‘dementia’ is daunting, but it is important that people know that the right support is in place, so you can still live well with dementia.

“We would urge you to contact your GP as soon as you can, if you are worried about the symptoms of dementia. It is important to remember that not everybody with these symptoms will be diagnosed with dementia, but if you are concerned, they do need to be checked out.

“One in three people born in the UK is expected to develop the disease and more than half of the UK public have been affected by it, so it’s more important than ever that we ensure the best support is available. Partnership working is key to our joint Dementia Strategy, working closely with the Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Dementia Steering Group to help people in Stoke-on-Trent to live well.”

Cllr Joan Bell, Dementia Champion for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:

“Often relatives are the first to notice the symptoms of dementia. If you witness changes in your relative’s behaviours, please encourage them to pay a visit to their local GP.”

More information about dementia services across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and The Stoke-on-Trent Joint Dementia Strategy can be found via https://www.stoke.gov.uk/dementia.