Dementia is the gradual loss of mental abilities such as:
- Thinking
- Reasoning
- Remembering.
It is not a disease, but displays symptoms such as:
- Loss of memory
- Confusion
- Changes in personality, mood and behaviour.
Find out more about symptoms of dementia.
These may accompany some diseases or conditions affecting the brain such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia
Dementia:
- Usually affects older people
- Becomes more common with age (most people who develop dementia are over 60
- Can develop in younger people
- Is not normal part of growing old (most older people never develop dementia). There are ways in which you can reduce your risk of dementia
What help is available?
If you are worried about your memory, contact your GP and they will be able to identify if you have some form of cognitive impairment.
They may:
- Give you more information about the support available to people with memory related problems
- Refer you to a Memory Clinic for diagnosis.
Newham New Deal Partnership
The council has commissioned independent Dementia Community Memory Support Services through the Newham New Deal Partnership. The service comprises of the following elements:
- Memory Cafes
- Music for the Mind
These services are free for all Newham residents affected by dementia.
Newham New Deal Partnership provides information, advice and support to people with dementia and memory problems and their carers. Services include one-to-one and group support plus specific support for younger people with dementia.
To access this service you can contact Newham New Deal Partnership directly or ask a health or social care professional to provide a referral.
|
Monthly group sessions |
Location |
|---|---|
|
Music for the Mind – a stimulating environment where you can use music to express yourself and improve your wellbeing. Two face-to-face sessions and one virtual session. |
Hopkins Room Stratford Library, The Grove, London, E15 1EL |
|
Memory Cafes - a relaxed environment where people with dementia and their carers can meet and gain peer support, information and advice, and join in activities which will enhance their wellbeing. Two face-to-face sessions and one virtual session. |
Canning Town Community Neighbourhood Centre 18 Rathbone Market, Barking Road, London, E16 1EH AND East Ham Library 328 Barking Road, London, E6 2RT |
Other services on offer
Lemonade Days
Eligibility:
- Residents with dementia (pre or post diagnosis) and their carers
- If residents are not functionally independent, they need to bring a carer
Support offered:
- Social club every Tuesday from 11am to 2:30pm at St Mark's Community Centre, 218 Tollgate Road, Beckton, E6 5YA.
- The socials have food, music, dance and activities.
- Self payment of £10 per person, per session.
Referrals:
- Self referrals
- Phone number: 07760515636
- Email: hello@lemonadedays.co.uk
Eligibility:
- Newham residents (dementia offers do not require diagnosis)
- People with dementia need to bring a carer
Support offered:
- Singing group and chair based yoga for people with dementia on Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm at The WELLcome Hub, 35 Vicarage Lane, East Ham, E6 6DQ.
Referrals:
- When the groups are back up and running, people can turn up on the day, but it's best if you let the coordinator (michelle.farrell@bonnydowns.org) know if you are planning to come.
How to get in touch
If you are still unsure where to get help then, please contact the Adult Social Care Access Team.
When you contact us, we'll discuss your situation over the phone and give you any relevant advice or information. If appropriate, we will follow this up with a visit to your home to talk about your personal and practical needs and to discuss what help is available.
