Alzheimer’s Society launches first ‘Dementia Guide’

The Alzheimer’s Society has today launched an innovative booklet designed to support people with dementia and their carers.
The ‘Dementia Guide’ is the first of its kind to provide people with vital information required following a diagnosis. It also provides advice on how to come to terms with the condition and how to plan ahead for the future, as well as information on how to access support services.

It was created in response to the ‘Unlocking diagnosis’ report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on dementia, which revealed a large number of people felt little was done following their diagnosis and that they required more information and support. The guide, which has been endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Care Services, has been developed to give GPs and psychiatrists the opportunity to provide people with dementia and carers immediate advice at the point of diagnosis.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has welcomed the publication of the booklet. He said: “It is important that patients have a timely diagnosis so that they can start to get the help and support that is available. Being diagnosed with dementia can be a daunting and often frightening experience. I hope that this guide will help patients, families and carers to take some of the fear out of living with the condition.”

Speaking about the guide, Alastair Balls, chairman of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Many people struggle to know what to do and where to turn when they are diagnosed with dementia. This new guide is the first resource that brings together the key information people need following a diagnosis of dementia, supporting thousands of people as they come to terms with the condition. We hope it serves to convince more healthcare professionals of the importance of diagnosis, demonstrating how it can open doors and enable people to access the help they desperately need.”

To order the free guide, visit alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaguide.