World Alzheimer’s Day 2020

Alongside September being globally known as World Alzheimer’s Month, September 21st is also known as World Alzheimer’s day. In 2020 the theme is continuing as “Let’s talk about Dementia”. To find out more about the month check out our last blog.

World Alzheimer’s Day

While World Alzheimer’s Month offers a longer period to raise awareness of dementia, the 21st September brings the month to a point, with this being the main day for awareness.
On this day we invite everyone who has an experience with dementia to talk. Whether it’s yourself, or a loved one, it’s a chance to talk to others about your experiences and to find that you’re not alone, and your experiences are perfectly normal.
You may find someone that has gone through what you are currently experiencing and can help you to find a way to cope or improve your situation.

Let’s Talk About Dementia

For years dementia has been a taboo subject, with very little conversation taking place This has meant that those living with dementia have become too embarrassed to talk about it or ashamed when someone brings it up. This should not be the case. Talking freely and openly about your experiences can help to remove the stigma that currently lies around the condition and can help others to cope with their diagnosis.

Myth Management

There are a number of myths that surround dementia, its effects on the individual, possible causes and potential cures. However, many of these are just that, myths. On World Alzheimer’s Day we think it’s appropriate to debunk a couple of these, and to give you a talking point with others who may believe these.

• Memory loss means Alzheimers – While yes, memory loss is one of the signs of Alzheimer’s, there are also many other things that it can mean. The occasional misplacing of keys, or forgotten conversation is completely normal. We also expect some memory loss as we get older, it doesn’t always mean Alzheimers.
• Dementia diagnosis is the end of your life – This is absolutely a myth. Those who are diagnosed with dementia can live normally for many years by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, staying socially connected, and managing stress. In believing this myth, the individual may give up, which could lead to a reduced lifespan, not the myth itself.
• Alzheimer’s is hereditary – As the number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimers (or dementia) increases it may appear that it is hereditary, however, first degree family members with linked dementia only account for 5% of cases.
• Alzheimer’s only affects older people – Again this is false. While most cases are predominantly in the older generation, it can affect you at any age, however, almost all cases are in the over 40’s. Any diagnosis under 65 is categorised at “young onset dementia”
• Alzheimer’s disease is curable – There is ongoing research to find either a cure or preventative, however, as of 2020, there is currently no cure or confirmed method of prevention.

Here at Hill & Hill we understand that those living with dementia in a care home may find it difficult to adjust to their surroundings, especially when they have lived in their former home for many years or decades. Our range of Dementia Furniture has been designed to make the experience as seamless as possible and to ensure that where we can, we can help the individual to maintain their independence. For more information on putting our furniture in your care home, please contact us today.