Dementia

Dementia is the name for a group of diseases that affect the way the brain normally works. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia can slowly lead to memory loss and confusion, and result in changes in people's personality and behaviour.

There are about 12,000 people suffering from dementia in East Sussex, including those who are not yet diagnosed. This figure is projected to rise by nearly 50% to almost 18,000 by 2026.

Find out more about the condition:

• Alzheimer's Society – about dementia
• MIND – understanding dementia
• NHS Choices – dementia

Local dementia support services

The East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS) lists useful links to support groups and independent care providers:

• ESCIS – dementia
• ESCIS – Alzheimer's

You can also get advice on dementia from the Sussex Mental Healthline. It's a telephone service providing support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems. The service is also available to carers and healthcare professionals.

• Sussex Mental Healthline

Watch a clip of our documentary film - 'Knowing you matter'

Please note, the first minute is without sound:

The whole film is 37 minutes long. With a focus on dementia, older people talk openly about what matters most, and how they feel. There are moving accounts from family members about the heart-breaking decisions they have to make when someone close is moved into care, with all the guilt and emotional pain that involves.

It is being distributed by DVD to care homes and hospitals in East Sussex, so social care workers and medical teams can use it to raise awareness and to train their staff. If you would like a copy, please email carol.wilkinson@eastsussex.gov.uk

For more of our videos please see YouTube – East Sussex County Council

Our contact centre, Social Care Direct

If you need to discuss adult social care needs and ways to get help, you can contact East Sussex County Council directly (about yourself or another person) through our contact centre, Social Care Direct:

• How to contact Adult Social Care

More national dementia charities

The following organisations also offer useful guidance on dementia and mental health:

• Mental Health Foundation – advice on dementia and other mental health issues.
• Rethink – mental health charity – helping everyone with mental illness to recover a better quality of life.
• Royal College of Psychiatrists – a dementia guide from the professional and educational body for psychiatrists.
• Together – a leading mental health charity that works alongside people with mental health issues on their journey towards greater wellbeing.

Advice for carers

If you are a carer for somebody who has, or you think may have, dementia, please see our carers section for help and advice:

• Looking after someone – help for carers