Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 2024
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month 2024:
”Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s.”
As we step into September 2024, we recognise Alzheimer’s Awareness Month—a time to reflect, educate, and advocate for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The 2024 World Alzheimer’s Month campaign will centre around the taglines
”Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer’s”
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that effects memory and cognition and, ultimately, the ability to perform everyday tasks. While Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, it is the most common cause of dementia among older adults, affecting millions of people worldwide but is still widely misunderstood.
“Available on the 21st of September 2024, this year’s World Alzheimer Report will take a deep dive into the current perceptions of dementia by those living with the condition, carers, health care practitioners and the public. Building on the 2019 World Alzheimer Report: Attitudes to Dementia, ADI has once again commissioned the London School of Economics, as we seek to understand how these attitudes have changed over 5 years.”
Attitudes To Dementia: World Alzheimer Report 2024 Survey is available here.
Our Dementia Services
We are so proud of our dementia services here at Inspire North, which are delivered in partnership across most areas in West Yorkshire including, Leeds, Kirklees, Bradford, and Calderdale. Each service is slightly different, and provides information and advice for people who are living with dementia, their carers, family, and friends. You can find out more about our services here We have even published our very own cook book called Eating Well with Dementia which can be bought here.
All our services are aware that people from ethnic minority communities can face many barriers to accessing diagnosis and support and that leaflets are not always the best way to reach people, so have developed links locally to our diverse communities to ensure our services can be accessed by all who need them.
Supporting Family and Carers
Behind every person living with Alzheimer’s is a loved one—often family members—who provide critical support. Caregiving can be an overwhelming experience, filled with emotional and physical challenges.
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago and it is difficult to watch her decline. Whilst she has not lost her sense of humour it is becoming increasingly difficult to have any level of meaningful conversation. Her physical health challenges are as big as ones associated with Alzheimer’s.
Luckily, we sorted out the Legal Power of Attorney (LPA) for both Health and Care and Finances a couple of years ago in preparation for where we find ourselves today and I would urge anyone living with or affected by Alzheimer’s to do this whilst meaningful conversations can take place about it, once capacity is in question it is more difficult to put in place.
*Our dementia services having an away day together*
What can you do?
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month offers opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
- **Educate Yourself and Others: **
Take the time to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and share accurate information within your community. Dispelling myths and promoting understanding is a powerful tool in the fight against Alzheimer’s. You can follow our dementia services on Facebook for more information throughout the month. - **Support a Carer**
If you know someone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, reach out to offer support. A simple gesture like preparing a meal, offering to run errands, or just listening can make a world of difference. - **Volunteer: **
We have some great volunteers at our dementia services but always need more, maybe you know someone who may like to get involved? If so, speak to our Volunteer Development Manager, Amy – Faulkner-Gadd or email volunteer@inspirenorth.co.uk. For up-to-date information on volunteering, visit our webpage here.
*Clients from Young Dementia Leeds and Bradford Dementia Hub*
Whether you’re lighting up your home in purple, wearing a ribbon, or simply having a conversation, your efforts this month contribute to a broader movement—a movement of awareness, advocacy, and, ultimately, hope. Together, we can make a difference.
If you are affected by Alzheimer’s there is a 24/7 helpline provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, you can call on 0800 272 3900.
Our EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) is always there to offer emotional support to our colleagues too.
Phone: 0800 083 33 75
Free to call & available around-the-clock
Website: www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk
Use the following details to access the website:
Username: lifestyle1234
Password: carefirst
Our dementia services:
Young Dementia Leeds – 07391 868 726
Bradford Dementia Hub– 01274 065 060
Calderdale Dementia Hub – 01422 399 833
Kirklees Dementia Hub -01484 503 908
Ruth Kettle, CEO of Inspire North.