September has been designated World Alzheimer’s Month by charities around the world in order to raise awareness about the condition. The campaign will focus on September 21st, nominated as World Alzheimer’s Day. People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: dementia is a syndrome associated with a gradual decline of brain function. Alzheimer’s is just one of many types of dementia but alongside vascular dementia, it makes up the majority of cases.
Figures from the NHS suggest that in the UK more than 850,000 people currently have dementia, with the expectation that this figure will rise to over 1 million by 2025. One in 14 people over 65 are sufferers, with the condition affecting 1 in 6 of those over 80 years of age.
Symptoms associated with dementia include problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental agility and understanding, and issues with language and speech. Difficulties with movement and daily activities may be experienced. Many sufferers experience mood swings, lose interest in relationships and socialising, and have problems managing their behaviour and emotions.
Since dementia affects a person’s mental capacity, their ability to plan and organise becomes more difficult. Symptoms usually worsen over time, so that sufferers are often unable to look after themselves and unable to communicate properly. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining their independence and in many cases sufferers must rely on help from relatives and friends.
One of the aims of World Alzheimer’s Month is to get people to recognise and talk about dementia in themselves and others. Acknowledging that an individual may be suffering from dementia is the first step in helping them to live a full life despite the problems that dementia brings. Support provided by others is very important, and there are legal mechanisms available for family and friends to take over responsibility for aspects of a dementia sufferer’s life that they can no longer manage.
Lasting Powers of Attorney enable someone to act on your behalf and to make decisions for you if you no longer have the mental capacity to decide for yourself. Powers of Attorney can be set up to deal with your financial affairs, as well as your health and future care, and many older people chose to put these in place as a safeguard against illness or incapacity in their later life.
Bretherton Law have been helping families with changes in their circumstances for over 50 years, and we have built an enviable reputation for our professional service and honest advice. To discuss drawing up a Lasting Power of Attorney, registering an Enduring Power of Attorney or making an application to the Court of Protection, contact us on 01727 869293.
Related Information
UKGov.uk: Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
Alzheimer’s Society: World Alzheimer’s Month
