Dementia Action Week (13-19 May) is Alzheimer’s Society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign, which encourages individuals and organisations across the UK to take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

According to the NHS, more than 944,000 people in the UK have dementia – a figure expected to rise to one million by 2030.  In the UK, 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia.

Talking with a loved one about memory loss and the possibility of dementia can be difficult. Someone who is experiencing these symptoms may be confused, unaware they have any problems, worried, or struggling to accept their condition.

Just because someone has been diagnosed with dementia doesn’t mean they will lose capacity to make decisions immediately; different types of dementia have different prognoses and capacity varies greatly from person to person.

However, over time, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and related dementias will make it difficult to think clearly. Planning as early as possible enables an individual to make decisions and communicate those decisions to the right people.

Important documents such as Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney require an individual to have mental capacity to put them in place. Instruction of these important legal documents should be considered early in an individual’s diagnosis to give them the comfort and peace of mind that their affairs will be in order.  Having your legal affairs in place can often avoid undue delays and distress further down the line for an individual or their family.

What to do if you, or a family member, is diagnosed with dementia

It may be difficult to come to terms with a diagnosis of dementia. You or a loved one may find it helpful to talk to a counsellor at a memory clinic. The Hull Memory Clinic provides this service for the local area.

You can also contact the helpline of a dementia charity such as:

• Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support line on 0333 150 3456; or
• Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678

Our experienced and compassionate private client team recognises the importance of helping you plan ahead. The team provides a level of client care specifically aimed at making sure elderly clients are put at ease when dealing with complex legal issues and that they receive holistic legal advice in a way that is understandable and appropriate to their needs and in the client’s best interests.

We can guide you through all legal aspects of making a Will, recording your wishes, preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney and organising your affairs before you die.