World Alzheimer’s Day 2022

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on Wednesday 21 September this year, as part of World Alzheimer’s Month.

World Alzheimer's Day is an international campaign to raise awareness and highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia. It is an opportunity for people and organisations to demonstrate how we can overcome these issues and help people live well with dementia.

This year’s theme is ‘the power of knowledge’. This theme aims to spread awareness and show people that, by learning more about dementia and understanding changes in memory and behaviour, we can help more people feel empowered to reach out for help and support sooner.

Get to know the signs of dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society have a great resource on their website which can help you understand the signs and symptoms of dementia.

Visit the page here.

Why is dementia awareness so important?

Dementia is a huge challenge that populations all over the world face. With nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide, it has never been more important to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of dementia, and help people get the support they need.

The Alzheimer’s Society is committed to this cause, working with partners on global research and campaigning on days such as this one. Their website is a useful resource, sharing learning and stories with the world to help remove stigma and empower more people to live well with dementia.

Can I seek support locally?

Our Trust has been offering an early memory assessment and treatment service for nearly 20 years. This is delivered through our Memory Clinic in Hull, and our community services in the East Riding.

If you are worried about changes to a loved one’s memory, speak to your GP or find out more about our services here.

How we support dementia awareness

Beyond our fantastic Humbelievable teams working in our memory services, we also have Patient and Carer Experience teams and champions who work hard to support people in our local communities.

As part of Alzheimer’s Day, we spoke to Jean Hart about her interest in dementia support, and how she works with those who may need some extra guidance.

Jean Hart, Humber Patient and Carer Experience Champion with an interest in dementia support, said:

“When I work with people, often carers but not exclusively, who are looking for additional support around living with dementia, I try to develop a relationship with that person to truly understand their circumstances and needs. From there, I tailor my advice and guidance to the individual, so that I can feel confident that the support I am providing is worthwhile.

I work with a variety of organisations both locally and nationally, and so I feel well placed to signpost people to the right place at the right time. It’s a very fulfilling role, and one which I really enjoy giving my time to.”

When speaking to Jean, she also noted how she is a big fan of the term ‘health literacy’, which supports this year’s theme around the power of knowledge. As defined by Healthwatch East Riding, health literacy is “about people having enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information to be active partners in the care of wellbeing of themselves (or family members) and to navigate health and social systems and support.” It is Jean’s goal to help people navigating dementia in this way.

Get involved

Find out more about World Alzheimer’s Day and how you can get involved on their website here:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month

You can also follow along on social media using the hashtags #WorldAlzheimersDay and #WorldAlzheimersMonth, or visit our pages: @HumberNHSFT

Other helpful resources include:

• 3 Nations Dementia Working Group https://www.3ndementiawg.org/
• Dementia Tip Share https://dementiatip-share.org.uk/
• Help through technology and products by Bridget Care https://bridgit.care/