Dementia is caused when parts of the brain stop working properly due to disease or trauma. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.
Around 7,000 people in Cambridgeshire are living with dementia and so many more of us are affected as family, friends and carers.
Dementia is a profoundly life-changing condition and is often people’s biggest fear in later life. Nearly half of people living with dementia do not feel part of their community. People living with dementia can still have a good quality of life at most stages of the condition, provided the right care and support is in place.
Cambridgeshire County Council is responsible for services relating to social care. Please visit the County Council’s website, to find useful information.
We are committed to making East Cambridgeshire a dementia friendly community, and there are a number of groups which offer support throughout the district. Our communities directory has further details of these groups.
East Cambs organisations have received a grant from the Healthier Futures Fund, via Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, to offer support services in the district. More details of these groups are available in our dementia support directory.
Cambridgeshire Libraries have resources to support people living with dementia, their families, friends and carers.
If you are a library member, you can borrow these resources on your library card. It is easy to join the library online or at any local library.
Resources can include memory boxes, dementia-friendly jigsaw puzzles and games or books.
We can all play a part in increasing awareness and improving the lives of people with dementia and their carers locally. One of the steps we can all take is to become a Dementia Friend.
Dementia Friends are people with a little more understanding about dementia and ready to show consideration in their local community. Dementia Friends website has additional details on how to become a friend, or volunteer as a Dementia Friends' Champion.
Becoming a Dementia Friend involves attending an information session (approximately 45 minutes) or completing an online module, reflecting on what it is like to live with dementia and some of the small steps we can all take to raise awareness.
The Alzheimer’s Society is a good starting point for advice. People should also discuss their concerns with their GP.
Age UK can provide advice and support