Mental Health and Dementia

Mental Health

It is becoming more widely known that 1 in 4 people will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lives. If you are concerned about your mental or emotional state, or you're worried about someone you know, there is help available. In this section you will find an array of information, advice and services available to support you, along with being encouraged to talk to your GP about your concerns.

Alternatively visit the How Are You Lincolnshire website which provides support and helps people to find local resources to boost their mental health and wellbeing. 

Keeping Well guide to mental health and wellbeing support is also very useful with lots contact details for support groups, etc.

Dementia

How many people in the UK have dementia?

One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. A report in 2024, commissioned by Alzheimer's Society, shows that around a million people in the UK have a form of dementia. This is projected to rise to 1.4 million people by 2040.

There are over 70,000 people living with young onset dementia - where symptoms develop before the age of 65. 

It is estimated that 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.

More than 25,000 people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected by dementia.
 

What is dementia?

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer.  It is not a normal part of ageing and its not just about forgetting things. It is a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include:

• memory loss
• confusion and needing help with daily tasks
• problems with language and understanding
• changes in behaviour

Alzheimer's Society has produced a symptoms checklist, endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, to support people to get a vital diagnosis. 
 

Types of dementia

There are many types of dementia but Alzheimer's disease is the most common. The next most common is vascular dementia. 

Alzheimer's disease is a physical illness which damages a person's brain. It starts many years before symptoms start to show. Early symptoms are mild and so don't stop someone doing their normal everyday activities. It's only later that symptoms become severe enough to be called 'dementia'.

Other common causes of dementia include vascular disease, which prevents blood from getting to the brain properly, and Lewy body disease.

Just as with Alzheimer's disease, these diseases develop in the brain over many years. Eventually they lead to vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia.  
 

About dementia diagnosis

There is no single test used to diagnosis dementia. A diagnosis is usually based on several tests and assessments. This could include mental ability tests and brain scans, but it varies for everyone. 

For some people, getting a dementia diagnosis can be quite simple and take just a few weeks. For others it can take much longer - sometimes more than a year.

An early and accurate dementia diagnosis is vital. It gives people access to the care, treatment and support they desperately need. Yet one in three people in England and Northern Ireland and an estimated one in two in Wales with dementia do not have a diagnosis.  

 In order to support others within the community there are 5 key things that everyone should know about dementia:

1. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
2. It is caused by diseases of the brain
3. It's not just about memory loss
4. It's possible to live well with dementia.
5. There is more to the person than the dementia
    

I Forget Service - Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire

Experiencing symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment can be intimidating, and make you feel worried about where to seek support. The I Forget Service is available for you every step of the way, with or without a diagnosis of dementia. The I Forget Advisors are on hand to offer guidance, advice and support where needed.  

How they can help:

• Access to Information Hub
• Helpful adaptions to the home
• Practical information and advice
• Planning and sourcing any care needs
• Wellbeing support and social activities
• Support for friends and family members
• Support to access financial and legal advice
• Crisis avoidance

To refer yourself or a loved one to this free service, please call 03455 564144 between 8.45 am and 4.00 pm.  Alternatively visit Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire.