Merton is marking Dementia Action Week by continuing its work to become a Dementia Friendly borough and raising awareness of the support available for people living with dementia and their families.
Dementia is a progressive decline in memory and other cognitive abilities, including thinking, problem solving and reasoning. Dementia is not a single disease and can be caused by various brain disorders, with the most common type being Alzheimer’s Disease. Early signs of dementia include memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating and facing challenges to carry out daily activities.
The latest statistics show that in 2023, almost 2,000 people over the age of 65 in Merton were living with dementia. However, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, one in three people with dementia do not have a diagnosis, which means they are not getting the support that they need.
The Merton Memory Hub in Whitfield Gardens, Mitcham, funded by the council and run by the Alzheimer’s Society charity, supports people who have been diagnosed with dementia and their families, friends and carers.
A team of Dementia Advisers provide tailored information and support to allow those living with dementia to maintain independence, avoid crises and support loved ones to manage changes as the condition progresses. They provide information and guidance on a range of issues, including planning for the future and one to one support to carers. Peer support groups and activities, including exercise classes and reminiscence sessions, are held in the dementia-friendly building and garden.
In addition, the council runs Eastway Day Centre, in Morden, which provides opportunities for people who have more advanced dementia to socialise with others and take part in a range of activities which can help to retain and improve existing skills.
Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Councillor Peter McCabe, said: “Following his diagnosis of vascular dementia, we cared for my dad in the last few years of his life. This has given me a clear understanding of the impact of this progressive condition.
“Dementia can be challenging, both for the people living with it and their families. However, with the right support, it is possible for people to have a good quality of life before the disease progresses.
“We are committed to making Merton a Dementia Friendly borough and doing everything we can to enable people living with dementia to remain independent for as long as possible.
“Merton’s dementia services offer a range of vital support and advice for people living with dementia and their families, friends and carers. However, the first step is getting a diagnosis. If you are concerned that someone close to you may have symptoms of dementia, I would urge you to seek advice from their GP.”
Notes to editors
A series of events have been organised to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia and provide support to people living with dementia and their families.
There is more information about the Merton Memory Hub at
merton.gov.uk/social-care/adult-social-care/dementia
Contact the hub by email: merton@alzheimers.org.uk or call 020 8687 0922.
For more information on dementia Action Week, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website: Dementia Action Week | Alzheimer’s Society
Sign up for the free Dementia Friends training at www.dementiafriends.org.uk