Every year Dementia Awareness Week (DAW) is held to raise awareness of dementia and help improve the lives of people with dementia, their families and carers. Many of us are aware of the effects that dementia or Alzheimer can have on a loved one, but we are not always aware of the services or activities that are on offer.
For Dementia Awareness Week, Aberdeen Archives Gallery & Museums - along with our partners Alzheimer Scotland, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Grampian- will share different ways to connect with people and services who can support anyone living with a dementia diagnosis. Each day, we will highlight links to advice, support and events so those with dementia and their families and friends can have a greater sense of wellbeing and community.
Brain Health
Keep your brain busy with the Memories Gazette, created by Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums volunteer Alan Johnstone, which is full of stories from the past, photos and quizzes. Contact Alan by emailing ajj1954@hotmail.co.uk to sign up to the Memories Gazette mailing list.
Symptoms Signals and Support
‘Dementia is just one thing about a person – it’s not everything.’
Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership and Alzheimer’s Scotland have lots of advice and support for those living with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Use the links below to find useful advice on how to notice the signs of dementia, ways to stay healthy and services you can access.
Check out Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership’s About Dementia page here:
Check out Alzheimer Scotland’s ‘What is dementia?’ page here:
Young Onset Dementia
‘People with dementia can learn new things, continue with work and hobbies, and live a full, enjoyable life.’
We Spoke to Lori Fotheringham, Young Onset Post Diagnostic Link Worker about young onset dementia. Lori said, “Receiving a Diagnosis of Dementia under the age of 65 can be described as ‘Young Onset Dementia’ and there are around 70,800 people in the UK living with young onset dementia. The early symptoms of young onset dementia are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes such as depression, menopause, stress, or relationship issues. In comparison to older people, individuals under 65 are more likely to experience employment issues, have a younger family, have significant financial commitments, and have additional caring responsibilities. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and access to appropriate support.
The Scottish Government has pledged that everyone given a new diagnosis of dementia will be guaranteed a minimum of 12 months post diagnostic support. Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire now have an Alzheimer Scotland Young Onset Post Diagnostic Support Link Worker who works with those under 65 with a recent diagnosis of dementia. The link worker will work with you to understand your diagnosis, manage any symptoms, provide the opportunity to connect with others with a diagnosis, stay connected to your community and plan for the future.
There are some exciting opportunities for younger people under 65 with a diagnosis coming up in June. The link worker will be hosting online information sessions over 5 weeks covering a wide range of topics with guest speakers, such as benefit entitlements and tips on memory. Alzheimer Scotland will also be introducing an under 65 dementia café which will be held once a month at the Alzheimer Scotland Resource Centre on 13-19 King Street, Aberdeen to offer peer support and a bit of fun!”
For further information or questions contact Lori Fotheringham, Young Onset Post Diagnostic Link Worker, on LFotheringham@alzscot.org
Therapeutic Community Support
Aberdeen Art Gallery is an inclusive and accessible space in the heart of our city. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their visit. As part of this, the Art Gallery hosts a variety of relaxed, dementia-friendly events such as Our Aberdeen, Musical Memories and Football Memories.
Our Aberdeen brings people together to share their stories and feel part of a community. Enjoy a chat with our staff while they show you artworks and objects from the collection. Sessions are free and there’s no need to book.
Musical Memories is a friendly singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends. Led by Alzheimer Scotland, they meet fortnightly at the Cowdray Hall.
Relaxed Day
Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums venues have all you need to enjoy culture, café and community including; prize-winning venues and collections, free lunchtime concerts, talk, tours and community groups all in a welcoming environment where all staff are Dementia Friends.
Come along to Aberdeen Art Gallery on a Monday and enjoy a more relaxed visiting experience. Relaxed Mondays are ideal for – but not limited to – adults and young people living with dementia, or any visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed visiting experience.
Living with dementia doesn't mean people have to stop doing the things they enjoy. We want Dementia Awareness Week to highlight support, events and activities for those living with a dementia diagnosis. Being active, engaged, creative and social can help to improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia, as well as their families, friends and loved ones.
