Loved ones with dementia benefit from visits

A survey has revealed that 42% of the public believe there is no point in continuing to visit someone with dementia after they stop recognising people.

Leading charity, Alzheimer’s Society say family visits provoke feelings of security, comfort and happiness. Importantly, these feelings remain long after the visit (and even after the sufferer forgets the visit).

Despite the lack of memory, the charity say those with dementia can still hold ‘emotional’ memories. Because of this, the charity is calling for friends and relatives to visit people with dementia regularly and to help them take part in activities they enjoy.

In a survey of 300 people with dementia (carried out by Alzheimer’s Society) over half said they were no longer taking part in social activities. Also, 64% reported feeling isolated after receiving their diagnosis.

Chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, Jeremy Hughes said the following:

“After spending time with friends and family over the festive period, New Year can be a bleak and lonely time for people with dementia and their carers. It’s so important for people with dementia to feel connected throughout the year.”

He goes on to explain that spending time with them and helping them to take part in meaningful activities can have a really positive impact on the sufferer, even if they don’t remember the event.

A survey of over 4,000 people indicated that nearly 70% would still visit loved ones with dementia who no longer recognised them. The charity says that despite these good intentions, for many their modern, busy lives get in the way, preventing them from following up. This can leave many dementia sufferers feeling alone.