​Dementia is the word given to changes in your memory, thinking, language and behaviour.

​Dementia is caused by diseases that damage your brain. 

The most common type of dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

​When you have Alzheimer’s disease cells in the brain begin to die and cannot grow again.

​Men and women get dementia.

​Most people who get dementia are older but it is not a normal part of ageing.

Younger people can sometimes get dementia.

​People with learning disabilities and Downs syndrome are more likely to get dementia when they are younger.

​You cannot catch dementia from another person.

​Dementia makes remembering things difficult.

You may forget names or where you have put things.

​Dementia can change how you feel and behave.

You might feel sad or angry or get confused.

​You might find it hard to do activities like cooking, shopping or getting dressed.

​If you are worried about your memory you can talk to your doctor, nurse or social worker.

The Adult Learning Disability Team are here to help you.

​They can ask for you to have a dementia screening assessment.

An assessment means you will be asked some questions to see how you remember, think and do things.

​The assessment will be at your home and you need to have someone with you who knows you very well.

​After the first assessment you will get a report to tell you what will happen next.

​You will be put on a waiting list for a health check. 

This is to see if you have any health problems that are causing your memory loss.

​If you are worried about your memory at any time you must call your doctor.

​If your memory loss is not from other health problems.

You might be asked to go to the memory clinic for more tests.

​You might be asked to go for a scan of your brain.

This helps the doctors to see what your brain looks like.

​There might be medicines that can help you keep doing everyday things for longer.

Your doctor will talk to you about these.

​There are things you can do to stay well.

​Keep active and get lots of exercise. 

Wear a helmet when you cycle your bike, this will keep your head safe.

​Eat healthy food and do not drink too much alcohol or sugary drinks.

Keep a healthy weight.

It is better not to smoke.

​Look after your hearing.

Sleep well.

​See family and friends.

Learn new things.

​For more information 

Contact Dementia Jersey:

+44 (0) 1534 723519

info@dementia.je