Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease is a physical illness that damages the brain and is the most common cause of dementia. It progresses silently over years, eventually impairing memory, thinking and everyday functioning.
- Early symptoms typically include:
- Memory loss—particularly recent events
- Difficulties in thinking, reasoning, language, mood changes
- As the disease advances, the ability to perform daily tasks declines, requiring increasing levels of care.
- The underlying causes involve the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, damaging nerves and communication between cells.
- Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging—but age is the greatest risk factor. After age 65, risk doubles roughly every five years.
Alzheimer’s in the UK: Scope & Impact
- Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia—and Alzheimer’s accounts for about two-thirds of those cases.
- The number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, putting unprecedented pressure on care services.
- Additionally, dementia (many cases being Alzheimer’s) is a leading cause of death—nearly 66,000 lives lost in England and Wales in the past year.
How TrustBridge Care Supports People with Alzheimer’s
At TrustBridge Care, we specialise in domiciliary (home) care tailored for individuals with Alzheimer’s. We can highlight:
- Person-centered care plans: We customize routines and activities based on each person’s history, preferences and current abilities.
- Consistency and familiarity: Assigning dedicated carers to build trust and reduce anxiety and confusion.
- Cognitive engagement: Gentle memory support through reminiscence, puzzles, music, photo albums—activities proven to help.
- Practical daily support: Assistance with personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation and safe movement.
- Environment adaptation: Suggesting simple adjustments (e.g., clear labelling, good lighting, hazard-free spaces) to reduce disorientation and risk.
- Family inclusion: Regular check-ins with families, education on disease progression and emotional support.
Drawing on the Society’s ethos, you might also incorporate:
- Advocacy and policy support for dementia-friendly communities.
- Encouraging meaningful social engagement and purposeful activities.
Trusted Carer Training at TrustBridge
To support people with Alzheimer’s effectively, TrustBridge carers undergo comprehensive training—adapted from best practices aligned with the Alzheimer’s Society:
- Understanding Alzheimer’s: Covering symptoms, progression, and the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Communication techniques: Using simple language, gentle tone, reassurance and patience.
- Behavioral response strategies: Recognizing and responding compassionately to triggers of distress or agitation.
- Cognitive activity facilitation: Learning to deliver engaging, tailored activities safely and effectively.
- Safety and risk awareness: Identifying hazards, fall risks, confusion and offering appropriate, non-intrusive support.
- End-of-life and planning support: From the Society’s guidance on planning ahead and end-of-life care.
- Continuous professional development: Keeping up-to-date with emerging research, new tools and evolving best practices.
Raising Awareness & Getting Involved
World Alzheimer’s Day – 21 September
This annual day, part of World Alzheimer’s Month in September, raises global awareness, challenges stigma and mobilizes support.
How to Take Part
- Share information: Use TrustBridge’s channels to promote Alzheimer’s facts, early signs and the importance of diagnosis.
- Host local activities: Organize memory cafés, Singing for the Brain sessions, or informal coffee gatherings for people and families.
- Partner with Alzheimer’s Society: Support their campaigns or share their downloadable resources and helpline details.
- Fundraising: Encourage donations or host charity events aligned with World Alzheimer’s Month.
- Volunteer or spread awareness: Amplify their advocacy for policies that support dementia care improvements.
Why It Matters – Bringing It All Together
- The human experience: For those living with Alzheimer’s and their families, compassionate, informed care at home can make a profound difference in quality of life.
- Growing need: With nearly a million people affected today—and numbers rising—the demand for skilled domiciliary support has never been higher.
- Positive engagement: Training, meaningful activities and stability reduce stress for both clients and carers.
- Community and policy impact: TrustBridge Care, by getting involved in awareness and advocacy, can help shape a more dementia-supportive society.