September marks World Alzheimer's Month, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with dementia diagnosis. A key date within the campaign is World Alzheimer's Day on 21^st September.

Admiral Nurses play a vital role in supporting people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their families and carers. Here at Oakhaven, our Admiral Nurse is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Janet Toomer. Janet provides expert guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to Oakhaven patients, and helps families navigate complex challenges, as well as providing education and community outreach.

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21^st September, Janet will be providing professional education and promoting Alzheimer’s awareness. These initiatives help improve understanding of dementia and encourage earlier access to support by fostering a more dementia-inclusive community.

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Key Facts

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. It is caused by changes within the brain, including the build-up of abnormal proteins, leading to damage and loss of brain cells over time.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-70% of dementia cases.

It is not a normal part of ageing, although age is the greatest risk factor.

How does Alzheimer's fit within the umbrella term "Dementia"?

Dementia is an umbrella term, used to describe a collection of symptoms that affect cognitive functioning.

Dementia is not a disease itself, but a syndrome caused by various underlying diseases.

Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia.

Alzheimer's: early stage

• Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events
• Repeating questions or stories
• Misplacing items
• Problems finding the right words
• Mild confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty planning or organising tasks

Alzheimer's: middle stage

• Increasing memory loss
• Forgetting names of familiar people or places
• Difficulty managing finances or medications
• Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour.
• Increased anxiety, agitation, or frustration
• Difficulty with personal care and daily activities
• Becoming lost in familiar surroundings

Alzheimer's: later stage

• Severe memory impairment
• Reduced ability to communicate verbally
• Difficulty recognising loved ones
• Increased frailty and reduced mobility
• Problems swallowing and eating
• Dependence on others for all aspects of care
• Increased vulnerability to infections and physical health complications

Behavioural and psychological symptoms that may occur

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy or loss of motivation
• Agitation or restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Hallucinations or delusions (less common than in some other dementias)
• Changes in social behaviour or judgement

Impact on families

• Progressive changes often lead to increasing caregiving responsibilities
• Families may experience emotional distress, uncertainty, grief, and fatigue
• Education, specialist support, and future care planning can help families adapt as the condition progresses

The role of the Admiral Nurse

Admiral nurses provide specialist dementia expertise and support to families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Our Admiral Nurse, Janet:

• Helps carers understand symptoms and behavioural changes
• Offers practical strategies to manage challenges at home
• Supports advance care planning and decision-making
• Provides emotional support throughout the dementia journey
• Signposts families to relevant services, benefits, and community resources

For people who are caring for someone with an illness such as dementia, it can be a very worrying time. There are support networks that can help you understand what the person you are caring for is experiencing and give practical advice for yourself.

If you are caring for someone, click here for further guidance, which includes signposting related to dementia.