Irish In Britain

True. As age is a risk factor for Dementia, sometimes people assume that dementia when you are older is inevitable. It is not. If you are experiencing a symptom such as memory loss, our Cuimhne team encourages you to get things checked out through your GP.

Memory loss is sometimes caused by something easily treatable like an infection. If the diagnosis is dementia than an early diagnosis will help connect you to a host of support and resources and information to help you to plan.

True. Memory loss may be one symptom of dementia. Other symptoms may include changes in behaviour, confusion and disorientation, delusions and hallucinations, difficulty communicating, difficulty judging speeds and distances, difficulties with balance and movement.

There are over 100 types of dementia and dementia may present differently in different people. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), is a type of dementia typically occurring in people under the age of 65. FTD initially it causes changes in behaviour, rather than memory loss.

True. Dementia can affect not only those who are diagnosed with the condition but also the friends and family who care about that person. Whilst following an active and healthy lifestyle may help delay the possible onset of dementia, it does not remove the risk entirely.

Dementia is more common amongst older people. However, there are different forms of dementia including Young Onset Dementia which may be experienced by young people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

True.  All people diagnosed with dementia must tell their driving licensing agency (the DVLA in England and Wales or the DVA in Northern Ireland) straightaway, or face a fine of up to £1,000. The agency will ask about the person’s medical information and decide if they are safe to drive or request that the person has a driving assessment.

A healthcare professional should make these rules clear when they diagnose the person’s dementia. Drivers should also inform their car insurance provider straightaway of their dementia diagnosis, otherwise their car insurance policy may be invalidated.

True. There are so many things that we do individually and in our communities to promote understanding about dementia and ensure our communities are dementia inclusive.