Dementia

Dementia is a term that is used to describe a collection of symptoms including memory loss, problems with reasoning and communication skills, and a reduction in a person’s abilities and skills in carrying out daily activities such as washing, dressing, cooking and self-care.

There are a number of different types of dementia the most common being alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, fronto-temporal dementia and dementia with lewy bodies.

Dementia can not be cured. It is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. This progression will vary from person to person and each person will experience dementia in a different way. Although it is inevitable that progression will occur, certain lifestyle choices can help to slow this process down, allowing you to remain healthier for longer.

For more information about dementia take a look at the links below:

Maintaining an active lifestyle

It is important to remember that having dementia should not stop you from remaining active, with a fulfilling social life. By continuing your interests and hobbies, it will help you to maintain an interest in life.  Our Community Map lists a number of events, activities, clubs and groups right on your doorstep.

There are a number of support services available for people with dementia who would like to become part of a social group:

(For more information about the ‘drop in’ services please see ‘accessing support if you are a carer of someone with dementia’ below)

The council’s dementia webpage also has information about dementia and local support services.

Below are some contact details for local services that provide activities for people with dementia:

Service Telephone number
Singing for the Brain (Alzheimer’s Society) 07713 390714
Alzheimer’s Singing Klub 01344 306951
Tea Dances (Alzheimer’s Dementia Support) 07516 165665
Gym Classes (Wellbeing and Leisure Team) 07887 632627
Social outings (Ascot Area Alzheimers or Triple ‘A’) 01344 621491
Memory Cafe 07713 390714

The Bracknell Memory Service runs a 14 week Cognitive Simulation Therapy Course for people with dementia, as well as a 6 week Understanding Dementia Course for Carers of people with dementia. Referral is made through the memory clinic.

Dementia Advisory Service

The Bracknell Forest Dementia Advisory Service provides advice and support for those who have been diagnosed with dementia, their carers, family and friends. This information includes:

  • Local support services
  • Getting a break
  • Legal planning
  • Support for carers
  • Living well with dementia
  • National support services
  • Money matters

If you are worried about your memory problems, but do not have a diagnosis of dementia then you will need to contact your GP first. If you have a diagnosis then you can contact the advisory service by calling Karen White (dementia adviser) on 01344 823220 or email karen.white@berkshire.nhs.uk

For further support available in Bracknell Forest please take a look at the council’s Dementia Directory.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise programme

It is important, with any condition, to ensure that your diet does not deteriorate and that you continue to live a healthy lifestyle through a balanced programme of exercise. This will not only help you to remain physically healthy, but will also improve your psychological health.

A form of moderate exercise that is not too physically demanding is walking. Our Community Map will show a range of walks and walking groups in the local area and of course, the borough has a number of leisure services for all ages to choose from.

If you are looking to lose and/or manage your weight Slimming World can help you to maintain a balanced and nutritional diet and reach and stay at a healthy weight by providing weekly local weight loss support groups.

If you meet set criteria then you may be eligible for a free referral to Slimming World. Referrals are made via Bracknell Forest GP Practices, Stop smoking service and Children Centres. This will enable you to access a free 12-week course to Slimming World if the programme criteria are met. For further information please email public.health@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Accessing support if you are feeling down

Dementia can cause people to feel down, stressed, anxious, scared or angry (or a mix of all of these). It is important to remember that this is a common psychological reaction to the onset of Dementia and that support is out there. If you do not wish to talk to a family member or friend, then professional support is available in the local area. Talking Therapies have a team of advisors and therapists that can help you to manage your feelings through a range of ways (workshops, counselling, telephone support etc).

The Older People’s Mental Health Service in Bracknell Forest provides mental health assessments and on-going support for people with Dementia or other mental health conditions (depression, psychosis and severe anxiety).

For more information about depression and anxiety, please view our Depression and Anxiety page.

Accessing support if you are a carer of someone with dementia

If you are caring for someone with dementia then Signal4Carers  can provide you with free information, advice and support services. Things that they can help with include:

  • Benefits and grants
  • Information about health and social care services
  • Emotional support
  • Finding training to support your caring services
  • Form filling
  • Meeting other carers
  • Respite care and planning a break from caring
  • Managing working and caring.

For more information call 0800 988 5462 or email helpine@berkshirecarers.org

Sandhurst day centre and Heathlands day centre both offer a ‘drop in’ service to support carers. Sandhurst Day Centre ‘drop in’ service is available from 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday. Heathlands Day Centre ‘drop in’ service is available from 8am-7pm 7 days a week.

The person who will be attending will need to visit the Day Centre with their carer for a short introduction and assessment. Once registered, the carer can then book the service by telephoning:

  • Sandhurst Day Centre 01252 877601

Other local services that you may find useful

Home support equipment (Forestcare)

Forestcare offer equipment and installation to help to support people in their homes. This equipment includes:

  • Lifeline alarms– a personal alarm system that connects to Forestcare control centre. When you activate the alarm a call is made to the centre who will ensure that you are given the correct assistance
  • Sensors – connected to your lifeline, and available for a range of reasons, if the sensor is activated a call will automatically be made to the call centre and the dealt with appropriately
  • Care calls – with a lifeline you can also choose to have reassurance or reminder calls from one of the team at the time(s) you choose every day. This might be to remind you to take your medication, check on your well-being or just to say hello
  • Keysafes – a PIN accessible small box which is secured in a discreet location on the outside of your house. You can nominate friends and family to be keyholders for you or, in the event of an emergency, if you are unable to get to your front door, we can give your PIN number to the emergency services / keyholders so they can gain access without forcing the door

Service charges are found on the relevant pages.

Contact details for local services