Record Levels of Dementia in England: How You Can Make a Difference with Devika Care Company

In recent years, the UK has seen an alarming rise in dementia cases, with record levels reported across England. This cognitive decline affects not just those diagnosed but also families and communities who are trying to come to terms with its profound emotional and social impact.

Why is Dementia on the rise?

Rates are believed to be rising due to a combination of an ageing population, increased awareness of the symptoms leading to more people seeking a test, and a rise in risk factors that can lead to dementia:

1. Ageing population: As people are living longer, the likelihood of developing dementia increases. The risk of dementia doubles every five years after the age of 65, and after the age of 85, nearly one in three people have dementia.

2. Increased awareness and diagnosis: With increased awareness and understanding of dementia, more people are seeking a diagnosis for their symptoms. This leads to higher reported rates of dementia.

3. Rise in risk factors: Some risk factors for dementia, such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and smoking, are on the rise globally. These conditions can increase the risk of developing certain types of dementia.

4. Improvements in healthcare: Advances in medical technology and treatments have led to improved survival rates for other diseases and conditions, meaning that more people are living long enough to develop dementia.

5. Genetic predisposition: While there is no single gene that causes dementia, there are genetic variations that can increase a person's risk for developing it. As these genetic variations are passed down through families, it can lead to more cases of inherited forms of dementia.

6. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins or chemicals may increase the risk of developing certain types of dementia.

Read more on the Daily Mail Online

What are the early signs of Dementia?

Typical initial signs of dementia consist of memory lapses, repetitive speech, difficulty in engaging in conversations or recalling words, and disorientation regarding time and location. Generally, these issues are more noticeable to the individual's loved ones and acquaintances than to the person affected.

But amidst these daunting statistics lies a beacon of hope—individuals like you can play a pivotal role in making a difference!

At Devika Care Company, we believe that every act of kindness counts, whether it’s through volunteering your time, spreading awareness, or supporting innovative care solutions. Join us as we explore the current offerings of dementia care and discover how together we can create positive change for those affected by this condition.

How you can help

People living with Dementia in the community (with & without carer support) have access to various group activities provided by organisations such as Age UK, The Alzheimer's Society and the local council. Once their condition reaches a certain stage where personal care is required or behavioural challenges occur, these options can reduce considerably. This could lead to the person with Dementia feeling isolated at home and their carer becoming overwhelmed, as respite opportunities are reduced.

This is why at Devika Care Company we have created a Dementia Day Care Service, specifically for people who may no longer be able to access groups available for these reasons; with the aim to help people remain living at home for as long as possible and to protect their carers well-being.

We rely on the help of caring, dynamic and passionate volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds, to enable us to continue to provide this valuable service to communities across East Anglia.

Your involvement could be the light someone needs on their journey - contact us and let's make that difference today!