Dementia Awareness Week is now in full swing, running from 3 - 9 June 2019. To mark this we are posting a series of blogs to equip you with information and practical steps you can take to help yourself. To find out how you can get involved in and support Dementia Awareness Week, visit Alzheimer Scotland.
In Scotland, it is estimated that there are currently over 90,000 people living with dementia. Dementia is a term used to refer to a variety of illnesses and conditions which result in an impairment of brain function and a decline in intellectual functioning, which can result in personality changes and behaviour problems. These in turn can disrupt independent living skills and social relationships. Those living with dementia, or caring for relatives with dementia, will understand just how difficult this can be on a day to day basis, and each individual's experience will be uniquely complex. The UK has an ageing population and, as dementia risk is understood to increase with age, it is important that we continue to raise awareness of dementia as it becomes more relevant to our everyday lives.
We must do what we can now to help those affected plan for the future and live with dignity, with the comfort that their affairs are in order and wishes known. We have said it time and time again and the message will not change - early planning can make all the difference, should there come a time when you are not able to make decisions for yourself. Do not leave it until it is too late!
I previously prepared a blog on World Alzheimer's Day 2018 about questions to ask yourself when planning for the future, and those questions remain of vital importance and are brought into sharp focus this Dementia Awareness Week. Follow up blogs this week will cover these topics in more detail, and finally finish with a report on the upcoming Alzheimer Scotland Ladies Lunch (which we are very proud to sponsor this year) and final thoughts. Watch this space!
You can speak to your usual Brodies contact about planning for the future.
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