Dementia

Dementia is the term given to a group of symptoms caused by gradual changes and damage in the brain. This causes a decline/impairment of a persons cognitive functions.   

This part of the brain controls skills such as:

  • Memory
  • Language
  • Problem solving 
  • Social skills
  • Behaviours' and personality

Dementia is a progressive disease which means that symptoms will not get better and may get worse.

There are different types of dementia, these are linked below.

Dementia

Vascular Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia with lewy bodies (DLB)

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Following a diagnosis of Dementia, Bristol Dementia Action Alliance recommend you do the following things:

  1. Contact the Alzheimer’s Society  to see what local help and support is available
  2. Contact Age UK who will talk you through what benefits you are entitled to and help you fill out the forms.
  3. Complete a Power of Attorney, particularly if you are a house–owner.
  4. Contact the Carer’s Centre to see what carer support and respite is available.
Avon and Somerset safeguarding scheme BDDA: Living with dementia Alzheimer's UK: dementia guide Dementia: staying independant We Care home improvements Bristol.gov: carers advice Register as a Carer How to plan for an emergency

Dementia is a life changing diagnosis. There is a lot to think about. You do not need to be alone dealing with this diagnosis. Below are links to charities and support networks who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding in this area.

Local support Network

Find support near you | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Happy Days - memory cafe

Memory Café

Our Memory Café provides information about living with dementia and other services available locally

Fishponds Memory Café Second Friday, monthly 2pm - 4pm

Withywood Memory Café First Tuesday, monthly 10.30am - 12.30pm

Virtual Memory Café (Information Provision) Second Thursday, monthly 11.45am – 12.45pm

Virtual Memory Café (Peer Support) Fourth Thursday, monthly 11.45am – 12.45pm

Contact Us For more information about these groups and to book a place, our Group Coordinators, Claire and Hannah, are here to help.
You can contact Alzheimer’s Society Local Services to register your interest on 0117 961 0693 or email bristol@alzheimers.org.uk
If you would like dementia support or advice, please call Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service on 0117 904 5151

Singing for the brain

Singing for the Brain® 

Join our singing group where you can meet new people in a friendly, fun and social environment.
Singing can improve your brain activity, wellbeing and mood.
You don’t need to be a good singer to benefit.
Join us for fun vocal warm-ups and a variety of songs hosted by our skilled group leaders.

Knowle West
When: Tuesday mornings 10.30am-12.15pm
Where: Bristol Community Links South, Langhill Avenue, BS4 1TN

Contact Us For more information about these groups and to book a place, our Group Coordinator, Hannah, is here to help. 07927 590216 Hannah.Newrick@alzheimers.org.uk
You can contact Alzheimer’s Society Local Services to register your interest on 0117 961 0693 or email bristol@alzheimers.org.uk
If you would like dementia support or advice, please call Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service on 0117 904 5151

Monday club at the Southville Centre

Fortnightly social club for older people – Hot lunch, coffee/tea and a chat

 

Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Bristol, BS3 1RG

 

EVERY MONDAY

11.30am-2pm

£4 per session, including lunch

 

For more information, or to register interest, please contact Steph Atkins on – 07487 329362 or steph.atkins@bs3community.org.uk

Activity Group

Activity Group

Our Activity Group gives people affected by dementia the opportunity to take part in activities and socialise.

Fishponds Activity Group Fourth Friday, monthly 2pm - 4pm

Withywood Lighting Up Art Group Fourth Tuesday, monthly 10:30am – 12:30pm

Brislington Activity Group Fourth Wednesday, monthly 2pm – 4pm

Virtual Activity Group First, third and fifth Thursdays 11.45am - 12.45pm

Contact Us For more information about these groups and to book a place, our Group Coordinators, Claire and Hannah, are here to help.
You can contact Alzheimer’s Society Local Services to register your interest on 0117 961 0693 or email bristol@alzheimers.org.uk
If you would like dementia support or advice, please call Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service on 0117 904 5151

BS3 Stroll and Chat

Every Tuesday from 9.30am - meet outside Bridge View Medical, Marksbury Road.

join us weekly come rain or shine for a gentle stroll and a friendly chat. We will meet outside Bridge View Medical n Marksbury Road and each walk will last around an hour. Take it at your own pace and enjoy the company. Make friends and boost your health at the same time.
All welcome.

For further information contact: leanne.purton@bs3community.org.uk 0117 923 1039

Zion Bristol Memories Cafe

Every 1st Wednesday of the month 
10.30am - 12pm

A fun monthly meet up for people living or caring for those with dementia. Everyone welcome, cafe open, free entry.

Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, BS13 7JW 
0117 923 1212

Friends Together- Dementia Support Group

A relaxed group for people with dementia and their carers with music, games and craft.

Every first Wednesday 10.30am - 12.30pm

Christ Church Hengrove

Art Together

Art therapy group for people living with dementia

Art together is art therapy group at Redcatch Community Garden for people living with dementia and their family member carers. This is an ongoing, open group so you can join any time, if there are spaces. You can attend on your own or with a partner/carer (who can take part in the group with you).

The group is supportive and friendly.

  • free to attend
  • On Thursdays, 1-3pm
  • Initial phone call and individual session before you join the group
  • Run by two qualifies Art Therapists with support from a trainee Art Therapist
  • In our large heated canopy (safari tent)
  • You don't have to be good at art, just happy to explore the art materials

If you are interested please email jenny@redcatchcg.com or kaya@redcatchcg.com 
Or call: 07769 013 243