FAQs

What is dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term to describe symptoms which may arise when an organic disease of the brain is present, for example Alzheimers Disease.

Are there any medications to cure dementia? There are no medications that can cure dementia but there are medications which can slow any progression. The medication is not suitable for all and any prescription will be closely monitored by the clinician for possible side effects.

What benefits might the person I support / I be eligible for? Benefits such as PIP or Attendance allowance together with council tax disregard may be awarded if the strict eligibility criteria are met. Attendance Allowance is non means tested. Depending on age and other criteria carers allowance may be awarded to the carer.

Why can the person I support remember things from a long time ago, but not from 5 minutes ago? The part of the brain in which we store memories is called the hippocampus. If we can imagine this as a bucket of sand and each grain of sand is a memory or experience we have had since we were born, our buckets are full and constantly being added to. For someone experiencing dementia its as if someone has drilled holes around the top of the bucket, the recent grains of sand drop into the bucket but then fall through the holes. Grains of sand (memories) below the holes are still retained.

I have been told the person I support is in moderate stages of dementia – What stages are there? Many people talk about stages of dementia, however everyone will experience dementia in a different way. For example two individuals diagnosed with vascular dementia who have been living with it for the same amount of time may not experience the same symptoms at the same point in the condition, depending on where the damage has occurred in the brain.

How can I support the person to live well with dementia? By perhaps attending a Dementia Friends Session, Peer support Groups and other services.

What local services are there to support me and the person I care for? There are dementia specific services run by agencies in the East Surrey Area – see the list of key contacts and useful links under the carers support section.

My mother has dementia – does that mean I'll get it too? In some instances there is a genetic link for dementia, however the circumstances around inheritance are complicated, for more information please use the link below.

Is there anything I can do to help me with my memory problem? Don’t try and hide it. The more people that understand you have a memory problem the more support that will be available. There are services and aids that are designed specifically for people with dementia.

I have been told I should appoint a power of attorney, what is this and how will it help me? A Lasting Power of Attorney is someone who can act in your best interests, managing your finances and liaising with other agencies should you lose Mental Capacity. Attornies can be family members, friends or a solicitor – just someone you trust to act on your behalf if necessary.

I would like to meet people in a similar situation – where can I go? There are agencies, volunteer groups and services which can put you in touch with other people who are in a similar situation. Dementia Cafes, activity groups and support services. Dementia First can signpost to these services.