For some this may only be small things such as appointments but in other cases it can be worse, such as forgetting the faces of loved ones or precious memories. This can be extremely distressing for those who are close to the sufferer.

There are a few things that can be done to help remember the appointment or perhaps even jog the memory into remembering some of those past events or faces.

Having a white board with the date and the events that are due to happen that day such as doctor’s appointments or friends visiting will be very useful.

Also, regularly looking through photos, letter or perhaps scrap books from the past may help bring back some of the memories that have been lost. Visiting as often as possible and asking questions about past homes, friends and pets may also help.

Also, music is a very powerful memory jogger and there are certain songs that will always take us back to a time when the same song meant something to us. It has also been discovered that music can be a help to dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Alzheimer’s is a form of Dementia and in the UK alone there are over 700,000 dementia sufferers! It has been shown that exercise can hold back the advance of Alzheimer’s, US researchers have established.

The preconception is that dementia only affects the elderly but research shows this not to be the case. According to the Alzheimer’s Society website there are over 11,500 under 65 year olds in the UK who also suffer from this.

Dementia is a disease of the brain. When someone has dementia their brain cells die faster than they normally would.

Dementia is not curable and memory loss and confusion are often the first symptoms. It may be useful to keep a diary with keys dates in for the sufferer to refer to if necessary. Gradually over time sufferers may also lose the ability to do tasks they would normally carry out without hesitation. Tasks such as washing, eating and toileting can be become increasingly difficult as the symptoms progress.

Caring for someone with dementia can be very difficult as sufferers may feel vulnerable and require a great deal of reassurance and support. It is essential that sufferers remain as fit and healthy as is possible. A nutritional diet will help the sufferer to feel happier.

There are many different types of dementia with Alzheimers being the most common. Symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia.

One woman, who helps care for her husband at home, talks about her fight for help.
Freddie was 64 when he was diagnosed with dementia

Freddie Smith was just 64 when he was diagnosed with a form of dementia brought on by a series of mini-strokes.

“It suddenly became clear,” says his wife, Angela.

“For a while he had been asking me what the time was or keeping bags of change in his pocket – he didn’t know what they were worth so kept paying with notes.”

That was 11 years ago and ever since his condition has been deteriorating, so that now he struggles to move and cannot communicate.

The 49-year-old, from Kent, said she soon found herself asking for help caring for her husband.

But despite his diagnosis, she was told she would have to pay for the help he needed dressing, eating and going to the toilet.

“Mrs Smith, who works as an exercise instructor and in a post office, says: “In the end all my wages, about £200 a week, was going on paying for his carers. What gets me is that this is a medical condition, he was diagnosed, and yet he did not get the help he needed” Angela Smith

“I even had to rely on my mother, who was in her 80s, to help him out, make him drinks and drive him to the day centre.

“What gets me is that this is a medical condition, he was diagnosed, and yet he did not get the help he needed from the NHS. My life was a nightmare.”

However, that has now changed. Four years ago, after many years of battling, she finally convinced the NHS to fund Freddie’s care.

He now has what is called a continuing care package, which means carers are now funded to look after him at home.

Mrs Smith even gets respite care meaning she can put him in a home while she goes on holiday.

“It has made the world of difference. Like many people, I would not want him to go in a home full-time, but to do that you do need help.

“I am getting that now, but I know I am one of the lucky ones. So many people don’t get what I do and I think that is wrong.”

News reported by The BBC

Alzheimers Research Trust
Alzheimers Society

Alzheimers Research Trust
Alzheimers Society