Dementia Awareness Week 2023
Dementia Awareness Week 2023
Dementia Awareness Week, held annually, aims to raise awareness of dementia, support carers and family members and improve the lives of people living with dementia. This year Dementia Awareness Week runs from Monday 29 May – Sunday 4 June.
What is Dementia?
Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It is an umbrella term for over 100 different types of illnesses and disease symptoms. Symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and difficulties with day-to-day tasks, language and problem-solving.
In Scotland, over 90,000 people have dementia. It is most common in older people but can affect people in their 40s and 50s or even younger.
Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. Everyone forgets things sometimes and most people’s memory gets worse as they get older. But when someone has dementia, they may become very forgetful. For example, they may forget the names of family members or whether they have eaten lunch or not. They may repeat questions without realising. (Alzheimer Scotland)
ANGUSalive Libraries’ Resources
ANGUSalive Libraries have a wealth of resource available to the public. We have added new memory boxes and bags to our Dementia Collection and now have over 70 available to reserve online or via your local library. These contain old photos, postcards and physical memorabilia designed to stimulate memories and discussions with/between dementia sufferers, their families or carer groups.
There’s a good number of things in the box – plenty for us to remember and talk about but not too many to overwhelm us. (Dementia Café user)
What a great idea – its good fun looking at all the things in the box. (Dementia Café User)
ANGUSalive’s Dementia Memory boxes are a fantastic resource to people living with dementia and their carers to prompt reminiscence and communication. The objects, photos and books contained within the boxes can help to stimulate memories and encourage conversation. We are delighted that the boxes are available in all of the Angus Libraries and would encourage people living with dementia and their carers to give them a try. (Lindsay Shaw, Alzheimer Scotland)
We also have a selection of books available to supplement the collection and provide helpful information to support dementia sufferers and their carers.
What’s On
During Dementia Awareness Week 2023 each ANGUSalive library will have designated dementia displays, promoting the resources available to the public including examples of our Dementia boxes, reading material and support information.
Local Organisations
- Angus Dementia Resource Centre, Arbroath
- Kirrie Connections, Kirriemuir
- Lochside Connections, Forfar
- Carnoustie Connections, Carnoustie – COMING SOON THIS YEAR!
Information Links