Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain.
The Alzheimer’s Society (2015) reports there are over 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over one million.
It is important that an accurate diagnosis is made as early as possible so that people can receive the appropriate advice, support and treatment, and can start planning for their future.
Where to go for help
If you're worried that you or a loved one is suffering from memory problems, please arrange to see your GP. If appropriate, your GP can refer you to the local Memory Assessment Service.
Find out more about the services offered by clicking on the links below:
- Medway Community Mental Health Team for Older People
- Dementia Crisis Support Service
- Age UK Kent Rivers
- Alzheimer's Society
- Medway Admiral Nursing
- Carer's First.
Medway Community Mental Health Team for Older People
The team assesses patients’ needs and then offers appropriate services, including memory clinics for dementia, psychology services, groups, carer support, and outpatient clinics.
You can call the team on 0300 303 3189.
Visit the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust website.
Dementia Crisis Support Service
This service supports people with dementia and their carers who live at home. It is intended to enable people to remain in their own homes and reduce unnecessary admissions into Medway Maritime Hospital.
Phone: 01634 583 423
Visit the Dementia Crisis Support Service website.
Age UK Kent Rivers
Age UK Kent Rivers provides day services, a welfare fund, and information and advice. Day services include transport, hot food and activities.
Phone: 01634 572 616
Visit the Age UK website.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society provides a range of support activities to promote social interaction and provide a dementia-friendly environment to receive advice and support. Activities include peer support groups, dementia cafes and carer coffee mornings.
Phone: 01622 747 181
Visit Alzheimers Society website.
Medway Admiral Nursing
Admiral nurses are specialist mental health nurses, working within the NHS and trained and developed by the charity Dementia UK. They provide the highest possible standards of care for people with dementia. They help improve the experiences of all those affected by the illness, including their families and carers.
Phone: 01634 382 080
Visit the Kent and Medway NHS website.
Carers First
Carers First runs services in Medway, supporting adult carers and their families, as well as young carers under the age of 18. Services include groups, hospital support and carers assessments.
Phone: 0300 303 1555
Visit the Carers First website.
Dementia and oral health
People with dementia are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
Find out how to look after the oral health of someone with