Ginger and Nuts
“Ginger and Nuts” Open Up About the Realities of Dementia Kat Y (Ginge)
Darren and Kat, known as “Ginger and Nuts,” were recently interviewed by Callum and Aaron for Power Pop Radio about the topic of dementia ahead of Dementia Awareness Week.
Aaron asked them to provide some insights into the condition: “Could you tell me about dementia?”
Darren explained, “People often get confused between dementia and Alzheimer’s, but Alzheimer’s is actually a form of dementia. According to the NHS, an astonishing 944,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia. That’s one in 11 people over the age of 65.”
He continued, “Dementia is not just about memory loss – it can also affect how someone speaks, thinks, feels, and behaves. Ginge’s granddad actually had dementia, didn’t he?”
Kat nodded solemnly. “Yes, my grandad had dementia, and it was a really scary time for our family. It felt like every week, we’d go to visit him, and he would be asking the same questions over and over, unable to remember what was happening in the present moment. He could vividly recall events from 20, 30, even 50 years ago, but couldn’t remember what he’d had for breakfast just a few days prior.”
“It got even more worrying when my nan had a stroke. My granddad didn’t even know it had happened, and he’d been making porridge with the gas on but had forgotten to turn it off. The house was filled with gas when we arrived – it was a really dangerous situation.”
The discussion highlighted the profound impact dementia can have, not just on the individual but on their loved ones as well.
Several dementia charities offer advice and support.
One of the main dementia charities is the Alzheimer’s Society. Its website has information on all conditions that cause dementia, not just Alzheimer’s disease.
It also has information and advice about living with dementia and finding help and support near you.
Alzheimer’s Society runs the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456, which provides information and advice about dementia.
Dementia UK is a national charity that aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. It offers advice and support to families who are living with dementia through its Admiral Nurses, who are registered nurses and dementia experts.
Alzheimer’s Research UK carries out dementia research but also answers questions about dementia and dementia research, including how you and your family and friends can get involved. The charity’s helpline is 0300 111 5 111 and can provide help and guidance.
Age UK has advice on a range of topics, including advance care planning, benefits and choosing a care home, and information on local activities and services for those with dementia. It runs a free national helpline on 0800 055 6112.
The Carers Trust provides information and advice on its website for carers, including how to get support for yourself.
Carers UK is a national charity for carers, providing information and advice from benefits to practical support.
Written by: Kat Y (Ginge)
charity dementia dementia awareness
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