It is Dementia Awareness Week from June 1 to 7 and more than ever, it’s vital that people feel connected, informed and part of a community.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, there are still lots of events taking place online and East Dunbartonshire Dementia Network will be using its social media channels to talk about some key elements of its support.
Dementia is a group of symptoms which affect the brain and cause gradual decline in cognitive function. In Scotland there are approximately 90,000 people living with dementia, and for each person living with dementia there is a further impact on their carers, family and friends.
In East Dunbartonshire there are currently 2,086 people living with dementia. The East Dunbartonshire Dementia Network, an online resource, was established to provide information and signposting local support services for people affected by the condition through its partnership website www.eddn.org.uk which you can visit for more information about dementia.
The Dementia Network staff will be answering questions if you are worried about memory or affected by dementia via East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership Twitter - @EastDunHSCP - on Tuesday 2 June and Thursday 4 June.
Alzheimer Scotland are hosting a number of events during the week including daily online Tea and a Blether sessions where they will talk about various subjects including caring, future planning, scams and bogus callers, self-directed support and power of attorney. Follow Alzheimer Scotland – East Dunbartonshire on Facebook for further details on what they have been planned.
Allied Health Professionals will also be hosting a series of webinars throughout the week which will provide an overview of how they can support you if you are living with dementia or supporting a person with dementia. There will be an opportunity to ask questions throughout and during the question and answer section of the webinar. For more information and to register for the webinars please visit their Twitter account - @AhpDementia
Ceartas Advocacy will also be hosting its annual Music for a Summer's Afternoon event in late June and everyone is invited to take part online. For more details please keep checking their website and social media channels.
Caroline Sinclair, Interim Chief Officer of the East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said, “In these times of change we have all had to adapt to how we stay connected to each other and those we support.
"It is vital that those living with dementia feel recognised, valued and supported in their local communities and it's great to see all the ways that we are still able to do this despite the challenges the coronavirus has created."
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