September is World Alzheimer’s Month. We thought we would put together some information about Alzheimer’s to share throughout this month. In this post, we look at what Alzheimer’s actually is.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that can affect memory, thinking, and certain aspects of daily living – Alzheimer’s accounts for around 3 in 4 cases. Despite this, we don’t really know what causes it. Though some treatments and interventions may help to delay some symptoms and characteristics for a while, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s at the time of writing. There is a lot of research happening around the globe, however, so this may change – for example, one ongoing study in South Korea is exploring the relationship between Alzheimer’s and oral hygiene.

As with most dementias, Alzheimer’s is often associated with memory loss. In Alzheimer’s, difficulty with short-term memory can be one of the first signs and symptoms, but there are others as well. These might include:

• A feeling of indifference (apathy) towards things we might have once been very passionate about – perhaps a charitable cause or a favourite TV show etc

• Problems with our attention span

• Changes to our ability to make plans and solve problems

• We may be more likely to experience depression

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, or any dementia, can feel daunting and scary. But there are two important facts to remember:

1. It is absolutely possible to live well with a dementia
2. Having a diagnosis of a dementia can open doors to a wide range of incredible support services

To get the ball rolling, it’s best to speak to your GP. They can talk through your concerns and questions with you, and if they feel it’s right, they can refer you to your local memory clinic.

There are plenty of services available in our local area to support you. These range from helping with getting out and about, memory cafes, social groups and meetings, and support to help you live happily, healthily, and safely in wherever you call ‘home’. At Teign Angels, we’re experienced in supporting people living with various dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. If you feel you could do with some support with accessing your local community, or some support at home, then get in touch for a no-obligation chat about what you’re looking for.