Five reasons why people in Wales can benefit from a dementia diagnosis

Video: Dementia Advisor explanatory video available here

Too many people across Wales are facing dementia alone without the support a diagnosis can bring, according to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

To mark World Alzheimer’s Month this September, the charity is backing a global focus on post-diagnostic support, by highlighting five key benefits of a dementia diagnosis for people in Wales.

Michael Nash (44,) who lives in Swansea, struggled to get his Mum, who has Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed, so he knows the difference a diagnosis can make. He first noticed things were not right three years ago. Finally having a diagnosis meant he was introduced to an Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Dementia Adviser. Michael explains,

“In August 2021 my mum saw the consultant and finally got the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia, moderate to severe. I then contacted the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru dementia helpline because I needed to get a clear understanding of what the diagnosis meant for my mum.  They were great, very helpful indeed. They put me in touch with a Dementia Advisor, a lovely lady, who has been with me through the good and the bad since Mum was diagnosed.”

“At last, I had someone on my side wanting to help and support me. This meant I could point my dad in the right direction and had the knowledge to support him too. We are in contact on regular basis, sometimes weekly or fortnightly. I could not have got through this last year without this support. I probably would have had a breakdown but knowing there is someone at the end of the phone makes a big difference.”

Helen Payton a Dementia Adviser for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said:

“Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill. If you’re worried for yourself or someone you love, you can come to Alzheimer’s Society Cymru for support.

“Alzheimer’s Society Cymru estimates there are around 48,000 people over the age of 65 that have dementia in Wales and approximately 2000 who have early onset dementia. Of those figures approximately 50% of them have a formal diagnosis. Some people may put off seeking a diagnosis for a number of reasons, such as thinking memory loss is a normal part of ageing, they don’t recognise the signs, or are just too afraid.”

A survey by Alzheimer’s Society Cymru revealed that 9 in 10 people with dementia have said that they benefitted from getting a diagnosis.

Helen added: “As an Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Dementia Adviser I help people to understand and comes to terms with a diagnosis of dementia, access support and plan for the future.

“We’re here for anyone affected by dementia. We provide practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step.”

Here’s five other reasons why people in Wales can benefit from a dementia diagnosis:

1. Support from Alzheimer’s Society Cymru

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to them for help. The charity is a vital source of support providing information and advice through their expert Dementia Advisers and other services including their support line and website.

2. A better understanding of dementia

Dementia can cause changes to a person’s mood and behaviour. A diagnosis can help people understand why someone may be feeling low, getting irritated easily or acting differently. In communities where dementia is not well understood or accepted, a diagnosis can help to spread awareness and provide a reason for any changes.

3. Benefits and protection

Being diagnosed with dementia means you are protected from discrimination (being treated unfairly) at work by law. It can also give you access to financial benefits. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru has produced a factsheet on benefits for people affected by dementia which can be requested by contacting them or downloaded from their website.

4. Able to live a more fulfilled and less fearful life

A dementia diagnosis can be daunting, but a timely diagnosis can provide access to support and treatments that allow people with dementia to stay independent for longer and carry on doing the things that matter to them most.

5. Access to other peer support and social groups

It is important that people with a diagnosis of dementia remain a part of their community and stay connected to the people and the things they love. A diagnosis can open doors to local services and other groups that can offer support and a safe environment for people affected by dementia to share experiences with others in similar situations.

For World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is reiterating its main recommendation following the launch of its report earlier this year Left to Cope Alone: The unmet support needs after a dementia diagnosis, that everyone diagnosed with dementia should have access to a dementia support worker, which is the first point of contact in every primary care network, with automatic referral from memory services. 

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is urging anyone worried about themselves or someone they love to take the first step and contact the charity for support. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryloss or call them on 0333 150 3456 to speak to a Dementia Adviser. If you speak Welsh, call their Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400. For callers who do not have English as their language of choice, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru can arrange a simultaneous language translation service.