Health educators, The Sound Doctor, say a
dementia crisis is on the horizon, as it is revealed that only 3% of people
make active preparation for the disease.
The Times has reported that, despite the fact
that 75% of the population are afraid of developing dementia or losing their
ability to make decisions, 97% of people have taken no legal steps toward
securing care in the future.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in
England and Wales, making up 12% of the total deaths in 2016. It’s on the rise,
too: the number of people diagnosed has increased by 54% in the last ten years,
according to The Times.
In just 7 years, more than 13 million people who
are at risk of dementia will have no legal or medical arrangements made due to
a lack of preparation.
Rosie Runciman, co-founder of The Sound Doctor
says: "We know first-hand that people are reluctant to talk about the
condition. Sufferers think they can leave key decisions to their next of kin
without taking legal steps to ensure that it happens, whether it be their
pension, writing a will or saving for retirement."
The Sound Doctor's library of films on dementia,
created with Newcastle University Institute of Ageing, takes people through the
timeline of what to do when they are diagnosed with dementia.
This means that patients can think about power
of attorney, when to move into a care home, when to stop driving and other
important questions that they don’t want to think about but need to give to
consideration to early on.
The film library covers all the main topics,
including beginner-level knowledge. There is helpful information to address the
question of whether we can reduce our risk of getting dementia, as well as
information about the early symptoms.
Films to provide support around memory loss,
communication problems and incontinence are also available. Carers, as well as
sufferers, will find the support they need with The Sound Doctor.
Professor Louise Robinson, Professor of Primary
Care and Ageing at Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, worked closely
with The Sound Doctor to both create and clinically review the films.
She said: “Patient information is critical for
anyone living with or caring for those with dementia. The Sound Doctor’s films
provide an excellent resource, covering every phase from understanding dementia
and initial diagnosis, to planning ahead and living through the later stages.
There are also valuable chapters for people caring for people with dementia.”
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