‘Isolation’ misery for sufferers
TWO out of three Scots with dementia say they have lost friends and experienced isolation after being diagnosed.
A poll also found that more than half were too “embarrassed” or frightened to attend social events such because of their condition.
Of the 500 people surveyed, 70% said friendships had dwindled and 91% felt that the public did not know enough about dementia and what it is like to live with the illness.
TWO out of three Scots with dementia say they have lost friends and experienced isolation after being diagnosed.
A poll by the charity also found that more than half (60%) were too “embarrassed” or frightened to attend social events such because of their condition.
Of the 500 people surveyed, 70% said friendships had dwindled and 91% felt that the public did not know enough about dementia and what it is like to live with the illness.
The study was carried out to mark Dementia Awareness Week by the charity Alzheimer’s Scotland who described the findings as “heartbreaking.”
The Evening Times has launched a year-long campaign to shine a light on a condition that is predicted to affect one in three of us in the next few decades.
We spoke to a man who is caring for his wife full time, who revealed how lunch invitations from friends had dwindled after his wife was diagnosed.
James McGinty said both him and his wife Margaret became isolated and depressed and relocated to Scotland because of a lack of support where they lived in Essex.
Charities say that while public awareness of dementia has improved greatly in recent years, public understanding of the illness and its wider symptoms remain limited.
As well as memory problems, other less-well known but common symptoms of dementia include difficulties in concentrating, problems with language, issues with vision, disorientation, increased tiredness and struggling with familiar tasks such as using a bank card.
Anne McWhinnie, Dementia Friends Project Manager for Alzheimer’s Scotland, said: “Our survey has revealed some heartbreaking findings, but it has also highlighted some key issues which we as a society must urgently address.
“A dementia diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down, so it’s vital to stay in touch and feel comfortable in talking about the changes that it brings.
“Support your friend and others living with dementia all over Scotland by being part of our Dementia Friends initiative which aims to increase understanding of the condition, and of the small things everyone can do to help people living with dementia in their community.
“The most important way you can help is just to be a good friend and to support the friends and family living with dementia.”
Jim Pearson, director of Policy and Research, Alzheimer Scotland, added: “There has been much progress in recent years, but the results of our survey demonstrate that there is a great deal still to do.
“This Dementia Awareness Week we are calling on Scotland to take action now, get informed and stand by their friends and family to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”
Visit www.alzscot.org/daw2017 to find out how to take action for dementia this Dementia Awareness Week to support friendships.