Dementia is one of the most common and serious disorders in later life. Worldwide there are 35 million people with dementia and this costs $600 billion per year; these numbers are set to double and the costs to triple in the next 20 years. It causes irreversible decline in global intellectual, social and physical functioning. Abnormalities in behaviour, insight and judgement are part of the disorder, as are neuropsychiatric symptoms such as psychosis, anxiety and depression.
The negative impacts of dementia on those with the disorder, in terms of deteriorating function, and on carers are profound. This is often presented in terms of crisis and catastrophe. However, this is not the whole picture; there are reasons to be cheerful. In this lecture we will consider the positive value of the new policy priority accorded to dementia, and the emerging evidence on what we can do to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their family carers. We will explore what good quality care would look like and how we can make this happen.
Dementia: reasons to be cheerful
Sube Banerjee
Professor of Dementia at the 91¶¶Òõ and Sussex Medical School
Wednesday 26 February 2014 at 6.30pm
Chowen Lecture Theatre
91¶¶Òõ and Sussex Medical School
University of Sussex campus
Falmer
91¶¶Òõ BN1 9PX
Free event, all welcome although you must book your place. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.