Dementia Action Week takes place from 19–25 May 2025. It’s a national movement to raise awareness about dementia and encourage more people to seek early support.
At the Community Brokerage Network (CBN), we see first-hand the difference that the right help can make, for individuals living with dementia and the unpaid carers who support them every day.
The real impact of dementia
Dementia affects everyone differently, but it often brings real, daily challenges that many people might not realise, such as:
Changes to vision and perception
Dementia can affect how a person sees the world. Light-coloured food served on a light-coloured plate can disappear into the background, making eating difficult. A dark mat or rug on a light-coloured floor might be seen as a hole, causing fear or hesitation to walk forward.
Difficulty Navigating Familiar Spaces
Confusion over reflections, patterned carpets, or mirrors can make moving around even well-known environments feel frightening or disorienting.
Sensory overload
Loud noises, busy patterns, or fast-moving crowds can feel overwhelming and stressful, making outings difficult without planning.
Memory challenges
People may forget recent events but vividly remember their childhood and younger years. This can lead to confusion when people or places don’t match up to their memories.
Emotional impacts
Feelings of frustration, anxiety, and sadness are common and can be deeply distressing for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones.
The power of music and memories
Music has a unique ability to reach parts of the brain that remain untouched by dementia, even as memory fades.
Many people with dementia can still sing along to songs from their youth, even if they struggle to remember conversations. Music can:
- Spark joyful memories
- Encourage communication
- Reduce anxiety and agitation
- Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
Simple activities like creating a “memory playlist” of favourite songs can bring incredible comfort and connection.
CBN’s Role in Supporting You
At Community Brokerage Network, we help individuals and unpaid carers:
- Understand their Self-directed Support (SDS) options
- Access support that is flexible, personal, and meaningful
- Connect with local dementia-friendly groups and activities
- Plan for the future with confidence and care
We know from experience that early support changes lives.
Stuart and Lynn’s story
Lynn was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in her 50s. Her husband Stuart, on top of working full time, became her unpaid carer, navigating new challenges they had never anticipated.
With CBN’s help, they explored Self-directed Support and accessed personalised services that are helping Lynn stay independent for longer and allowing Stuart to feel supported in his caring role.
You can hear more about their journey in their powerful video case study:
📺 Stuart and Lynn’s story
Local Dementia Support in Ayrshire
There are fantastic local services offering ongoing support:
East Ayrshire
- Alzheimer Scotland – East Ayrshire: Advice, groups, and dementia cafés.
East Ayrshire support
North Ayrshire
- Alzheimer Scotland – North Ayrshire: Local activities and community support.
North Ayrshire support - Dementia Friendly Largs: A welcoming community for people living with dementia.
Dementia Largs
South Ayrshire
- Alzheimer Scotland – South Ayrshire: Social groups, support sessions, and advice.
South Ayrshire support - Dementia Friendly Prestwick: Promoting inclusion in the community.
Dementia Prestwick
Need a Helping Hand?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, or just need someone to help make sense of the options available—we’re here to help. Call 07769 698606 to speak to a member of our team.
