Dementia UK

Did you know that many people with dementia experience physical frailty? 🤔

It's important to understand, recognise and manage frailty so that the person with dementia can access the right care and support.

Share this post to help spread awareness!

Find out more about frailty on our website: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/frailty-and-dementia/?utm_campaign=advice&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Earlier this week we visited Liverpool Football Club to meet with three amazing supporters - Paul Moran and father and son, Steve and Ste Traynor. ⚽

We were also joined by former footballers Chris Kirkland and Jamie Carragher.

Their annual Ronnie Moran Memorial Fund charity football match raised an incredible £2,030 for families facing dementia!

This charity weekend was formed from the friendship between Liverpool FC and FC Utrecht fans and has since grown into a large event supporting charities, including Dementia UK.

Thank you so much to everyone involved. 💙

Today, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia. 📣

So, it comes as no surprise that dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales for the second year in a row.

As the recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) findings show, dementia care is a healthcare crisis that we can no longer ignore.

Currently, there are too many barriers to people receiving the support and care they need.

However, we know that with the right political will, it can be fixed. We are committed to ensuring that life-changing support is available to anyone affected by dementia. 💙

Find out more by reading our blog: https://www.dementiauk.org/news/dementia-named-uk-leading-cause-of-death/?utm_campaign=blog&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

If you need advice or support from a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, call our free Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected]. ☎️

“My husband was diagnosed with dementia nine years ago. I looked after him at home for over seven years before he was admitted to a care home.

The last couple of years at home were very hard and I wish I had more support. That is why I decided to take part in the November Knitting Challenge for Dementia UK.

I wanted to raise as much money as possible so that there is more help for families affected by dementia.

I have arthritis in both hands, so some days were difficult, but I really enjoyed knitting every day. I was overwhelmed that so many people supported me. The orders came in thick and fast, and I managed to knit all of them.”

Last year, Rose joined our November Knitting Challenge and raised an astounding £999.97 for families facing dementia. 💙

Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or a complete beginner, we’d love you to join our community who are knitting for change this November. 🙌

Sign up and receive a free tote bag here: https://www.dementiauk.org/get-involved/find-your-event/november-knitting-challenge?utm_campaign=NovKnit24&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

We're blown away by the kind words we've received about our podcast since its launch - thank you. 💙

Here are just some of the ways that it's resonated with you. 🎙️

Each episode of ‘My life with dementia’ takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves.

People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring role they never expected. And people who are grieving a loved one.

You can listen to all six episodes of 'My life with dementia' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Tag someone in the comments who may be interested in taking a listen. 👇

"I have to say with my hand on my heart, it was the most magical experience of my entire life!"

Nikki bravely took on a wing walk in support of Dementia UK. 🛩️

"I run a small toenail cutting business and find that more and more of my customers live with dementia.

I thought that completing a wing walk would be a good way of getting people's attention to help raise awareness of dementia.

On the day of the wing walk, the sky was so blue and there were hardly any clouds. The hardest thing was getting on top of the plane, as you have to be very careful not to damage it.

Richard, the pilot, asked if I would prefer to fly in a straight line, but I chose the option of going up and down and side to side. I'm so glad I did!

The feeling of being so high up was incredible and quite emotional - I did shed a tear of elation.

I wanted to raise awareness of Admiral Nurses in particular. Everyone I have spoken to hasn't heard of them, and this needs to change."

Nikki raised over £3,000 for families affected by dementia - thank you so much. 💙

“We are so excited to be launching our first ever podcast series, amplifying the voices of those who have been affected by dementia.

We know that families are often left to cope with a diagnosis alone, isolated and without the support they need, but we hope the series will allow people to find connection through shared experience.”

At the end of each episode of our new podcast 'My life with dementia', Admiral Nurses Vic and Hilda share their advice and insights. 🎧

They reflect on some of the themes explored in each episode, including:

🎙️ Family dynamics and conflict
🎙️ The emotional impact of a diagnosis
🎙️ Being a young carer
🎙️ Navigating the move into a care home
🎙️ Grief
🎙️ Living well with dementia

If you've listened to any of the episodes so far, we'd love to know which have resonated with you! Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇

Find out more about 'My life with dementia' on our website:

My life with dementia - a Dementia UK podcast In Dementia UK’s new podcast, ‘My life with dementia’, real people share their experiences of living with, caring for, or losing someone to dementia.

“I’m still me. I am still a person. I’m not just a dementia statistic. I can still do and learn things, and that’s the most important thing. 💙

We need to get more education out there about dementia. I need people to realise that dementia isn’t all negative; you can have a positive outlook on life too.

People give up on those with dementia and by sharing my story on the podcast, I’m hoping they will realise we can still live our lives and have fun.

There’s plenty of happiness out there and there are plenty of good times to be had.”

On Valentine’s Day in 2019, Gail was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 54.

She shares her approach to living well with dementia and maintaining an identity beyond her diagnosis on our podcast, 'My life with dementia'. 🎙️

Listen to Gail's story wherever you get your podcasts:

My life with dementia | A Dementia UK podcast Presented by actor and Dementia UK Celebrity Ambassador Jim Broadbent, ‘My life with dementia’ takes listeners on a personal journey through the world of dementia, as told by people who have experienced it themselves. People living with the diagnosis. People who have found themselves in a caring...

A spotlight on your impact! 🤩

You are making a big difference to the lives of families affected by dementia. We don’t receive any government funding and so it is because of generous supporters like you that we’re able to run, and grow, our vital services so that no one faces dementia alone.

Here are some of the ways people who have used our Helpline said it made a positive difference to them last year. 💬

Thank you for your continued support.

Find out more about the difference you make: https://www.dementiauk.org/donate/the-difference-you-make/?utm_campaign=TRUSTACTIONPLAN24&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

After a dementia diagnosis it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or lost. If you’ve been left thinking “what next?”, our new free online series is for you. 💻

Hear from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who will take you through everything you need to know after a diagnosis, including:

✅ what dementia is
✅ types of financial and legal advice
✅ planning for the future

The sessions take place on Zoom from 10-11.30am on the first three Fridays of every month.

Sign up today: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/dementia-what-next/?utm_campaign=webinar24&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social and tag someone in the comments who would also find this useful. 👇

Dementia: what next? Our new, free online series, ‘Dementia: what next?’, is designed to help you learn more about dementia and the next steps you need to take.

It might be October, but it’s never too early for Christmas cards! ✍️

We’re excited to announce that our Christmas Shop is now open. Stock up on cards and other essentials this festive season, whilst supporting families facing dementia: https://www.charitycardshop.com/dementiauk?misc=Post1&utm_campaign=CIWEBSHOP&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=xmas_webshop

Which card design is your favourite? Let us know in the comments. 🎄

Thank you to the 2000+ Dementia UK supporters who invited MPs to meet us at party conferences or 1-1.

Because of you, we’ve spoken to over 150 MPs, including Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about the urgent need to put dementia on the agenda.👏

Take a look at our new blog about what we've achieved together. 👇

Putting dementia on the agenda at the 2024 party conferences Faradane O'Callaghan reflects on this year's political party conferences and the progress we have made with this Government.

“Dementia is really tough and can take away a lot of things. But the one thing it can’t take away is love.

Love is not a memory, it’s a feeling. Whether it’s listening to a song together or just a tender stroke on the arm, whatever it is, the love is always there and the love will always remain.

Since learning of my gran’s dementia diagnosis, I’ve made it my mission to spread awareness and tell my story to help others.

I wanted to be part of the podcast series to help as many people as I possibly can.”

Ricky and his gran, Harbaksh, always shared a special bond. 💙

After Harbaksh's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Ricky was thrust into a caring role and set about learning everything he could about her condition.

He shares his story on our new podcast, exploring the difficulties many people face in getting a diagnosis and the unpredictable nature of grief.

Subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out. 🎙️

Thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters, we are able to help more families facing dementia. 💙

Since January, our Admiral Nurses have answered over 23,000 Helpline calls and supported families in more than 2,500 virtual clinic appointments, meaning thousands of people have received vital support and advice.

We are continually increasing the number of Admiral Nurses so we can be there for more families affected by dementia.

Together, we can ensure no one faces dementia alone.

Have you been supported by an Admiral Nurse? Let us know in the comments. 👇

For some people with young onset dementia, the time may come when moving into a care home is the best option. 🏠

So it can be a shock to discover that many homes don't accept people who are under 65. Here are our top tips around considering care homes for people with young onset dementia.

James navigated this journey when moving his wife, Maria, into full-time care. He shares his story in our new podcast, 'My life with dementia'.

At the end of the episode, two of our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses discuss their practical advice around considering care homes and how we can help families facing this decision. 💙

Find out more here: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/resources/podcast/?utm_campaign=podcast2024&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=carehome

Do you have any tips to add? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. 👇

"Our poem reminds us that although the path Chris walks may be shrouded by dementia, the essence of who she is, her dreams, and her ability to express herself are far from extinguished.

She is still able to connect with us as we go on this journey, however challenging it may be." - Keith and Chris.

Thank you so much to Keith and Chris for sharing their beautiful poem with us. 💙

Chris was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, aged 77. She occassionally enjoyed writing poetry, but that joy has faded since her diagnosis.

Her husband, Keith, wanted to rekindle that spark, so over the course of six days he talked to Chris about her experience of dementia - her feelings of sadness, joy, fears, and flickers of hope.

These conversations inspired them to write this poem, 'I am seeking, I am not lost'. 📝

The title of their poem was inspired by Alzheimer's disease advocate Joanne Koenig Coste.

Show Keith and Chris some love and support in the comments.