September is World Alzheimer's Month, an international campaign to raise awareness of dementia and challenge stigma. This year's theme, "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters," highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and the difference it can make to people living with dementia, their families and carers.

At Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, we see every day how dementia affects not only the individual but also those around them. A diagnosis can help people access support, understand changes they may be experiencing, plan for the future and make informed decisions about their care.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Many people put memory concerns down to ageing and may delay seeking advice. While occasional forgetfulness is common, persistent changes in memory, thinking, communication or daily functioning should not be ignored.

If you are worried about your memory, or concerned about a family member or friend, speaking to your GP is often the first step. They can discuss your concerns, explore possible causes and, where appropriate, arrange further assessment.

An early diagnosis can help people to:

  • Understand the cause of changes they may be experiencing.
  • Access information, support and advice sooner.
  • Plan ahead and make informed decisions about the future.
  • Access treatments and interventions that may help manage symptoms.
  • Receive support for family members and carers.
  • Maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Seeing the Person Behind the Diagnosis (Using the About Me document)

While diagnosis is important, understanding the individual remains at the heart of good dementia care.

Every person living with dementia has their own life story, preferences, relationships and routines. Dementia may affect memory and thinking, but it does not change who a person is. Good care means understanding what matters to the individual and supporting them in a way that respects their dignity, wellbeing and independence.

Families and carers are often essential partners in this process and play an important role in helping healthcare professionals provide personalised and compassionate care.

If you or a family member living with dementia are admitted to hospital, please complete an About Me document and sharing it with staff. This allows important information about the person, including their preferences, routines, communication needs and what matters most to them, to be recorded and used to support personalised care throughout their stay. Families and carers often provide valuable information that helps staff better understand the individual and deliver more compassionate, person-centred care. Further information and the About Me form  is available on our Dementia webpages: Dementia :: Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Supporting People Living with Dementia

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is committed to delivering person-centred care for people living with dementia and supporting families throughout their healthcare journey.

Our Dementia Strategy focuses on:

  • Delivering person-centred care and dementia-friendly environments.
  • Improving assessment and early identification.
  • Strengthening partnership working with families, carers and partner organisations.

Chris O'Connor, Consultant Admiral Nurse, said:

"A diagnosis matters, but understanding the person matters just as much. The earlier we recognise dementia and involve families in care, the better we can support people to maintain their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. Dementia affects whole families, not just individuals, and good care starts with listening to what matters most to the person."

Looking Ahead

World Alzheimer's Month is an opportunity to increase understanding of dementia, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek help if they are concerned about changes in memory or thinking.

A diagnosis is often only the beginning of the journey. By working together with patients, carers and partner organisations, we can help ensure that people living with dementia receive the support, dignity and respect they deserve.

As the late Wendy Mitchell, who lived with dementia and used her experiences to become one of the UK's most influential dementia advocates, said:

"Don't be fooled into thinking that a diagnosis of dementia is just for one person. Yes, the disease might be inside our brains, but the diagnosis will not change one life; it will change all of those around us."

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