Dementia Action Week

This year, Dementia Action Week was from 16 – 22 May 2022.

Dementia currently affects 1 in 14 people in the UK. Many people will either know someone with dementia, have had to support and care for someone with dementia or have been diagnosed themselves. The thought of discussing dementia can, for obvious reasons, fill people with worry and anxiety. However, it is important to combat the stigma of dementia, which prevents people being diagnosed and receiving the help they need.

What is dementia?
Dementia is a broad category of conditions which affect the brain, in particular, a person’s memory, problem-solving skills, behaviour and language. The most common forms of dementia are usually one or a combination of the following:

• Alzheimer’s disease – the most common form of dementia. This is where proteins in the brain build up and cause nerves and brain tissue to die.
• Vascular dementia – the second most common form of dementia, where there is reduced blood flow to the brain caused by diseased blood vessels.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies – Lewy bodies are a type of protein which appear in nerve cells in the brain. It is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s, due to some similarities in symptoms.
• Frontotemporal dementia – sometimes known as Pick’s disease. Common symptoms include a change in personality/behaviour and problems with language.

Why is it important to be diagnosed?
The theme of Dementia Action Week this year was diagnosis, as for the first time there has been a drop in diagnosis rates. Misconceptions surrounding dementia symptoms, personal denial and long referral times for services prevent people from seeking a diagnosis and receiving effective treatment. Increasing dementia awareness helps people feel less alone and more empowered to take the next step in being diagnosed, and getting appropriate support and legal help.

“It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.”
The main misconception surrounding dementia is that memory loss is a normal part of ageing. Whilst forgetting things from time to time as we get older is perfectly normal, the assumption that progressive memory loss is a normal part of ageing is incorrect. Memory loss is not the only indicator of dementia. For example, someone may develop trouble with daily tasks, like shopping or paying the bills. It may become harder to follow a conversation, or changes in mood occur such as becoming more anxious and irritable.

“Dementia does not just affect the elderly.”
Whilst age is a contributory factor in developing dementia, the causes of dementia are complex and can affect people of all ages.  

“You can maintain a good quality of life with dementia.”
Researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for dementia. Whilst there is no cure currently, those with dementia can still go on to lead fulfilling lives. Treatment for dementia includes different medicines to ease or slow down the progression of the disease. Other effective treatments focus on forms of cognitive stimulation, like completing puzzles, discussing current events or life story work. Those with dementia can suffer from low self-esteem and depression, so keeping physically, mentally and socially active is hugely important.

How can a legal professional help?
The prospect of discussing life with dementia can be incredibly daunting. Whether you have been diagnosed with dementia recently or worry that you may in the future, it is important your legal affairs are in order.

Should I make a will?
It is important to consider your will so that on your death your estate is dealt with according to your wishes. For example, your will may detail your funeral arrangements, who you want to administer your estate and who you want to benefit from your estate. A will can be accompanied by a letter of wishes, which is not legally binding but provides guidance to your executors.

If you die without making a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. These rules are inflexible and will often not achieve what you would want.

A will can only be prepared by those with testamentary capacity. As dementia advances, it can impact a person’s ability to prepare a will and therefore it is advisable to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.  

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint attorneys who will help make decisions for you. There are two types:

1. Lasting Power of Attorney for property and finances – This allows an attorney to manage bank accounts, pay bills or deal with property or investments.
2. Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare – This can only be used once a donor has lost capacity. The attorney can make decisions about medical treatment, where a person lives, and daily routine.

Why should I have a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney gives you peace of mind to know that someone you trust will help manage your financial affairs and maintain your welfare.

If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney and become unable to make your own decisions, your family and loved ones cannot automatically make choices for you; an application would need to be made to court for the appointment of a deputy, this can be costly, slow and will not necessarily be in accordance with your wishes.

If you find yourself in circumstances where someone you are caring for has already lost capacity and cannot make a Lasting Power of Attorney, then the thought of being a deputy can be incredibly daunting. A professional, such as a solicitor, can be appointed by the court on your behalf. Whilst professional deputies will charge for their time, this will be from the person’s finances and may be in their best interests, particularly as the role of a deputy is particularly onerous.

Where can I find out more?
For further information on Dementia Action Week and dementia in general, please find the following resources below:

• www.alzheimers.org.uk
• www.dementiauk.org
• www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

If you would like to enquire about our services, please get in touch.

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