THE third annual Essex Dementia Day is prompting a countywide day of action to improve the lives of everyone living with dementia, their carers and families.

Several events are taking place arranged by Colchester Council and other members of the Colchester Dementia Action Alliance.

Tracy Rudling, chairman of One Colchester strategic partnership which is chaired by charity Community360, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the DAA to enter its second year by reaching out to thousands of people who may be affected by dementia or wish to support those affected.

"Our partners will be on hand to continue with their commitment to making Colchester dementia-friendly."

Between 9.30am to 2.30pm today, there will be a pop-up stall on Colchester High Street.

Council officers and its partner organisations will be promoting support available to anyone affected by, or caring for someone with dementia.

There will also be a stall at Lion Walk Activity Centre between 11am and 1pm for the centre's members.

At Colchester United's home game against Grimsby Town on Saturday, Colchester DAA will be meeting fans at the stadium alongside members of Community360 and Chaps - The Men's Health Charity.

Matt Hudson, Col U's media manager, said: “It's appropriate that our club colours match the blue of the ‘Wear it Blue’ days and we hope our fans will support this fantastic cause both on Saturday and in the future.”

About 1,250 people were diagnosed with dementia in Colchester last year but an estimated 5,000 people are living with it in north east Essex.

The message from clinicians is to not be ashamed and get advice if you have any concerns about your own health.

Tiptree doctor Mark Roberts, mental health lead for the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Many people find as they get older, memory loss becomes more of a problem. But dementia is not just about forgetting things, it can also affect the way you think, behave and speak.

"Research shows having positive social interactions can reduce the chance of dementia and depression, and help lonely people, some of whom may well be caring for someone with dementia, avoid relying on medication and long-term care.”

Dr Roberts also highlighted the importance of an early diagnosis.

He added: “It's possible to live well with dementia and there is strong evidence an early diagnosis helps someone with dementia to continue to live independently in their own home for longer."

Looking ahead, from February 21, dementia-friendly activity sessions will be held at Leisure World Colchester.

This will include table tennis, badminton, swimming, dance and singing sessions. For more information, call 01206 282000.

To learn more on the Colchester Dementia Action Alliance, visit dementiaaction.org.uk.

Symptoms of dementia (from the NEECCG)

Early signs of dementia can be mild and barely noticeable, or maybe mistaken for something else. However it can include:

  • Problems with memory - finding it hard to recall words, dates, names or recent events
  • Difficulty following a conversation
  • Difficulty making decisions as well as forgetting the time or what day of the week it is
  • Increased confusion and reduced concentration
  • Personality or behaviour changes
  • Reduced ability to do everyday tasks

Symptoms often continue to get worse over time. This may happen slowly or in sudden steps every few months or years, but can be significant. Symptoms can include:

  • Slowness of thought, feeling disorientated and confused
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Severe personality changes such as becoming aggressive, depression, mood swings and lack of interest or enthusiasm
  • Finding it difficult to walk and keeping balance with frequent falls, or loss of bladder control

For help with practical emotional support, the Alzheimer’s Society has recently launched the Family Navigator Service. Navigators can help patients and their families/carers find exactly what support is best for them, listen to their needs and offer tailored information and advice.

The service runs from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and can be contacted on 01245 260911. Or email essex@alzheimers.org.uk.

For more information on dementia, click here.