Hello and welcome to The Dementia Roadmap for Wiltshire – we’re so glad you’ve found us!
We assume you’re here because of a memory concern or an unusual change in behaviour in yourself or someone you care for?
If so, read on
The best first step is to go and have a chat with your GP or a health professional.
Appointment No.1
Before you book an appointment it is a good idea to make a note or keep a diary about the kind of symptoms you or the person you are concerned about is having.
We’ve created a useful document to help you do this which you can download and print out.
You can also download our information on what to expect at that first appointment – and the usual ‘pathway’ for dementia diagnosis in Wiltshire.
Observations checklist What to expect
Understood
That’s really all you can do for now.
Make sure you come back after you have seen your GP or other health professional and we’ll go through it together.
If you would like to have a chat with someone in the meantime – feel free to contact us at Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire.
Want to know more?
Call 01225 776481
Email us
Visit our website
Good news
Your GP should have checked for other conditions and be treating these accordingly. Make another appointment if you are not called for a review within six months. If you feel your GPs is not taking your concerns seriously enough, you can contact Patient Liaison Service (PALS) on 0300 123 2130 or email wccg.complaintsandpals@nhs.net
If there’s been an issue confirmed, don’t panic – finding out what is wrong is the first step towards getting the help you need. But first, it’s important we rule out a few other things with similar symptoms.
What sort of things?
The following can sometimes be mistaken for dementia...
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Delirium
• Depression
• Infections
• Menopause
If you’re not certain that your health professional has already ruled these illnesses out, then book a call-back with them or another appointment to discuss it.
Also, if you’re on any medication – make sure your health professional has reviewed any possible side-effects.
As before, we’ve provided a helpful checklist you can download to take along with you.
Understood
That’s really all you can do for now.
Make sure you come back after you have seen your GP or other health professional and we’ll go through it together.
If you would like to have a chat with someone in the meantime – feel free to contact us at Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire.
Want to know more?
Call 01225 776481
Email us
Visit our website
Good news - dementia is not indicated.
Your GP should have tested for other conditions and be treating these accordingly. Make another appointment if you are not called for a review within six months. If you feel your GPs is not taking your concerns seriously enough, you can contact Patient Liaison Service (PALS) on 0300 123 2130 or email wccg.complaintsandpals@nhs.net
In our experience, although getting your diagnosis is a bit of a shock at first – it can be a relief to know what’s been causing all this unusal behaviour and confusion. As we said before: it’s the best way to get the help you need.
Diagnosing the dementia
There are many types of dementia, and the subtle differences can be significant. It’s really important to know what kind you or the person you are caring for has.
Your health professional will have this information. If they haven’t given it to you yet or you think you may have forgotten – don’t worry, just call them and make sure you make a note somewhere.
We’ve provided a list of the most common types for you to download below.
Understood
Make sure you come back once you know what kind of dementia you’re dealing with.
If you would like to have a chat with someone in the meantime – feel free to contact us.
Want to know more?
Call 01225 776481
Email us
Visit our website
...you are not alone!
Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK today and there’s plenty of support out there.
Next steps
You should be refered to a dementia adviser. If not – get on the phone and ring Alzheimer’s Support directly or use our self referral form:
Your adviser will put your mind at ease and help answer many of the questions you are bound to have right now.
Next steps
You may find you need extra support with some things at this point. The good news is that we’ve created something called ‘The Support Village’ to help you find all sorts of useful information. From social groups and activities, help with legal advice and paperwork, where to get physical and emotional support – everything really.
Come and have a look
