About memory problems and dementia
Dementia is a common condition. Your risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65.
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental agility
- language
- understanding
- judgement
Young Onset Dementia
Dementia is considered ‘young onset’ when it affects people under 65 years of age. It is also referred to as ‘early onset’ or ‘working age’ dementia. As well as the other services listed in this document that people can access, people with Young Onset Dementia may also be able to access support from a Specialist Young Onset Dementia Nurse who works within the Managing Memory ²gether service.
The Alzheimer’s Society also has a Young Onset Dementia Activity (YODA) group that meets monthly. For more details contact Alzheimer’s Society on 01452 525222
On this page
Getting help
If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, you should seek help as soon as possible.
Our teams and services
Which of our services can help you and where to find them.
Information for carers
Support for you in your caring role.
Information for professionals
Notes on services, contacts and treatments for healthcare professionals.
Further help and support
Other organisations who can help or who partner with us.
News & views
News stories linked to this and related conditions.
Other conditions & services
Other conditions which we provide services for.
Getting help
If your’re worried about your own or someone else’s memory, it is important to seek help quickly.
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s memory you should seek advice from your GP in the first instance.
There are lots of reasons for memory problems so it is always good to get things checked out by your doctor. Many of the things that cause memory problems can be treated.
It is important to see your doctor if:
- Your memory has changed significantly or rapidly from what is ‘normal’ for you
- Your memory has been getting steadily worse over a period of time
- Your memory is causing new problems in your life, such as difficulty managing money, or forgetting important appointments
- You are noticing other problems too, such as changes in your mood or behaviour, having difficulty following conversations, or trouble performing familiar tasks.
Write a list of the things that worry you and take it with you to the doctor.
If you feel unable to talk to your GP about your own or a family member’s memory problems, you can also contact our memory service directly. We will provide advice on next steps which may include arranging an appointment with the memory assessment team.
This Dementia Information Sheet is intended to give a general overview of support services for people
with dementia and carers of people with dementia.
Our teams and services
Where to find us, and which services can help you.
The CCG also has some useful information on Living Well with dementia. You may find The Gloucestershire Living Well Handbook useful (find out how to request hard copies here)
Information for carers
Notes and information for carers.
Carers and families provide a vital support network but are at greater risk of experiencing mental and physical health problems and emotional stress themselves due to the demands of being a carer. As well as providing care and treatment for the people who use our services, we are also here to support you. If you have a problem, if something is worrying you, or if you are confused about how to get help, then please talk to us.
On this page you will find information about your involvement in the care we provide to your relative or friend and information about support for you in your caring role.
Group sessions for carers
Sessions run by Managing Memory ²gether are held at a number of venues across Gloucestershire throughout the year. The sessions offer a friendly environment where people with dementia and their carers can share experiences and learn more about dementia. Practical ideas are also explored to deal with the changes and challenges that a diagnosis brings
Sessions include:
Living Well with Dementia Part One and Two for people at early stage dementia and family members/friends that support them
Understanding Dementia, Brain and Behaviour and Positive Communication for family members/friends of people with dementia
Each session lasts two hours with a break for refreshments.
All our sessions are FREE and we can help where needed with replacement care and travel costs.
The sessions are delivered by Memory Assessment and Community Dementia Nurses, Consultant Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists
A trained support worker is also available at each session
For help and advice and to register for information sessions contact us now: 0800 694 8800.
Carers support is also available through Positive Caring.
- Tel: 01452 500 858
- Email: positivecaring@gloucestershire.gov.uk
For information on the Community Dementia Service in Herefordshire please call 01432 842200.
Estimated carers in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire
Carers charter
Download our carers charter
Information for professionals
Notes on services, contacts and treatments for healthcare professionals.
Referral information for Gloucestershire GPs and Healthcare Practitioners
Contact Centre: for Crisis, Community, Older Persons and Learning Disabilities Services 0800 015 1499
The centre will screen referrals and direct them to the most appropriate service. Qualified Mental Health Clinicians will be available to give advice and guidance. Referrals can be made via fax, letter or by telephone. Referrals accepted from GPs and other healthcare professionals in consultation with client’s GP. The Contact Centre will also advise on the appropriate service to refer to.
Referrals for patients requiring memory assessment. Please refer to the Memory Assessment Guidance sheet or talk to the Community Dementia Nurse attached to your surgery 0800 694 8800
Referral information for Herefordshire GPs and Healthcare Practitioners
Community Dementia Service
Information about this service is coming soon.
If you require information about this service, please call 01432 842200.
Gloucestershire has developed services in line with national initiatives such as the Living Well with Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy and the Dementia Challenge. The Local Action Plan can be viewed here, together with the Primary Care Dementia Pathway.
Further help and support
Other organisations who can help or who partner with us.
Barnwood Trust
We work together with the people of Gloucestershire to bring the county closer together, exploding myths about disability and mental health.
Age UK
Aims to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research.
0800 169 2081
www.ageuk.org.uk
Carers Gloucestershire
An independent charity helping unpaid carers in Gloucestershire.
0300 100 9000
carersgloucestershire.org.uk
Guideposts
Works to improve the quality of life for people who face complex challenges in society.
News & views
News stories linked to dementia and related conditions.
Dysphagia in older people
As we age, the social and emotional benefits derived from cooking do not diminish. Yet for many people, the opportunity to be involved in preparing what they eat all but vanishes. Preparing what you eat can improve levels of wellness and positively affects a persons...
read moreHelp Shape Dementia Services in Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Herefordshire and Worcestershire health and care organisations are creating a new Living Well with Dementia Strategy for 2019-2022, and we want to hear from people living with dementia, families, and carers. We also want to involve professionals from organisations...
read moreSupport Sessions for Carers in Herefordshire
We would like to invite carers to attend FREE carer information and support sessions facilitated and delivered by ²gether NHS Foundation Trust, Herefordshire Carers Support and Crossroads Care. These courses are for carers whose cared for are receiving services or...
read moreDementia Action Week
People are being encouraged to unite to increase awareness of dementia during Dementia Action Week, taking place this week. Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, the week aims to raise awareness and understanding about the challenges of living with dementia. Dementia...
read moreGroup sessions for those with dementia, their family and friends
Managing Memory ²gether is pleased to offer a range of group sessions for anyone living with dementia, and their friends and family. The sessions provide an opportunity to meet others, get support and find out more about dementia and how best to manage the changes and...
read moreMulberry Ward wins two awards in Cheltenham in Bloom competition
Staff at Charlton Lane Hospital’s Mulberry Ward are celebrating after being given two awards in the recent Cheltenham in Bloom competition. Mulberry Ward was judged in the “Community Category”, where they were awarded the standard of gold, and they were delighted to...
read moreNew support programmes for dementia carers
If you (or someone you care about) support a person with dementia you may be interested in a new support programme. The day programmes are being organised by the Royal Surgical Aid Society (RSAS). The events take place in either Swindon, Solihull or Birmingham. For...
read moreTrust’s Research Team supports International Clinical Trials Day
²gether’s Research Team is supporting International Clinical Trials Day and reminding people that it is “ok to ask” about clinical research. International Clinical Trials Day takes place on Saturday 20 May, and marks the anniversary of the day in 1747 that James Lind...
read moreTrust marks Dementia Awareness Week with new hospital bedroom which will help keep patients safe
The finishing touches are being applied to a new specialist bedroom at Charlton Lane Hospital, designed to reduce harm suffered by people if they fall. The Lofthouse Suite is a bedroom on Willow Ward at Charlton Lane Hospital, where specialist assessment, treatment...
read moreNew Dementia Research Partnership Formed in Cheltenham
New Dementia Research Partnership Formed in Cheltenham
read more