Local dementia group encourages early diagnosis

Dementia Action Week takes place from 16 May to 22 May and this year the theme is diagnosis. 

The Dementia Friendly Stratford-upon-Avon Group want to highlight the importance of talking about dementia and to raise awareness of how it impacts the daily lives of people affected by the condition. 

Dementia Friendly Stratford-upon-Avon group was set up in 2019 and includes representatives from Stratford District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, VASA, Orchestra of the Swan, Warwickshire County Council, Accessible Stratford and local volunteers.  

The group aims to promote dementia awareness and, by listening to those affected by dementia, make the town a more dementia friendly place.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can leave a person feeling very alone. Family carers can feel isolated following their loved one's diagnosis. However, a diagnosis can provide an explanation for memory issues, communication difficulties and changes in behaviour.  It rules out other conditions with dementia-like symptoms being responsible.  An early diagnosis means people can potentially benefit from drug and non-drug treatments.  It helps people to plan ahead.  They can also receive practical support and advice as they face new challenges.  

Dementia Friendly Stratford upon Avon want people to know there is support available in the town and across the District and attending a regular group such as a dementia cafe or carers group can help people feel they are not alone.  

Stratford District Council has produced a handy leaflet detailing all the dementia cafes, groups and support for carers across the District.  This is available on the Council's website and in hard copy from Elizabeth House.

Cllr Jo Barker, Homes, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio said: "With dementia diagnosis rates falling to a five-year low*, I would encourage anyone who is concerned about memory loss or communication difficulties to talk to their GP.  There is support out there and the Council's leaflet has it all in one place."

For more help and local support, look at Dementia Friendly Stratford-upon-Avon's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/dementiafriendlystratforduponavon

Dementia Friendly Stratford-upon-Avon would encourage everyone to become a Dementia Friend.  This takes ten minutes online or you can find a face-to-face session by visiting www.dementiafriends.org.uk. 

If your business would like a Dementia Friends session delivered to staff, please contact marie.darwen@stratford-dc.gov.uk

*(according to Alz Soc)