Information and support for younger people with dementia in Buckinghamshire
People with dementia under the age of 65 in Buckinghamshire are being invited to information sessions in Aylesbury.
Run by Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Support Service from 6 April, the Young-Onset Dementia Information and Support Sessions will look at a range of issues, strategies for everyday living, help and support which will be tailor-made to the needs of the people attending.
There will be plenty of time to talk openly about issues faced, share ideas and gain support of others in a similar situation. The sessions will be held at the Healthy Living Centre, in Walton Court Shopping Centre Angela Walshe, from the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Support Service, said: “The aim of these sessions is to help people discover more about their diagnosis in a safe, caring environment where there are no taboos.
“People with dementia who have attended similar programmes have spoken of higher confidence levels, being more positive about the future and an increased feeling of wellbeing.”
Alzheimer’s Society research shows that more than 8,900 people in the Buckinghamshire area have a form of dementia. Out of these people, more than five per cent of people diagnosed in the area are under the age of 65 – a total of 511 people.
People diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65 are often called younger people with dementia, or having young onset dementia. The age of 65 is used because it is the age at which people traditionally retired.
The symptoms of dementia are not determined by a person’s age, but younger people often have different needs, and require some different support.
To find out more about the Young Onset Dementia Information and Support Session, call the Memory Support Service on 01296 331749 or email memorysupport@alzheimers.org.uk