Dementia

Click here for a document version of the guide.
The word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have become severe enough to affect daily life. A person with dementia may also experience changes in their mood or behaviour.

Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one.

Visit the Alzheimer's Society website for a wealth of excellent resources for patients and carers.

Dementia wellbeing service

The Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service is our locally commissioned service for dementia sufferers, family members and carers. The best way to get an understanding of what they do is to watch the video then click on to their website. The video is available in six different languages (Urdu, Punjabi, Cantonese, Somali, Polish and English)

We have a dementia worker assigned to Pioneer medical group. Contact details can be found on our contacts page or by calling the dementia wellbeing service direct.

www.bristoldementiawellbeing.org

Dementia Safeguarding Scheme
The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme is a national scheme encouraging carers, family and friends to provide useful information which can be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. The information is used by the police to help locate vulnerable individuals. Information captured includes:
  • medication required
  • mobile numbers
  • previous addresses and employer details
  • places previously located
  • a photograph
Providing these details in advance means:
  • you do not need to remember vital information if you need to report a missing person, helping to reduce your stress at an already anxious time
  • we are aware of any locations an individual may have gone so we can start our search sooner, as often those with dementia return to meaningful locations such as childhood homes or places of work.