Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be very difficult to come to terms with for the person affected and their family and friends. However, in the early stages of the condition there are many things which can be done to improve an individual’s quality of life and maintain their independence.
Individuals diagnosed with dementia at the RICE centre have the opportunity to discuss their condition with the healthcare team and ask any questions they would like. The medical staff will provide specific information on the diagnosed condition, including a discussion of the available treatment options.
The benefit of having a diagnosis is that you will be able to access support services for both people with dementia and carers, to help you adjust to a diagnosis and live as well as possible.
These include Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, the ‘Living Well with Dementia’ course and our Dementia Course for Carers. We are currently expanding our support offer here at RICE as part of a grant from the National Lottery Fund.
In addition, our health care team will be available to answer questions and direct individuals to appropriate external support within the local area. Information packs providing details of all of the common forms of dementia are also available at the RICE centre to take home. We also have a series of information leaflets for people who want to find out more about life with dementia covering topics such as driving, volunteering for research and our support courses.
Tony Evans, who has been treated at RICE, speaks about living with Alzheimer’s disease:
“I’m thankful that RICE was able to give me an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease as it motivated me to adapt, plan ahead, make the most of my health and enjoy my hobbies including climbing…
….another benefit of working with RICE has been gaining access to the EVOKE clinical trial which has added a great sense of purpose to my life to be aiding the urgent cause of dementia research.
I’d gladly recommend an early visit to RICE to anyone who has memory issues, their team have tremendous expertise and are a great support to my wife, Diane and I, as we learn to live with Alzheimer’s.”
Tony Evans, from Box in Wiltshire
