Dementia Action Week – intervening in early memory loss

This Dementia Action Week, we’re raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and support for people affected by memory loss.

The MIST (Memory Information Support Team) at Carers of West Lothian launched on 5th March 2024 and is a partnership project working with Cyrenians OPAL, The Food Train and NHS Lothian’s Older People’s Community Mental Health Team (also known as the Memory Treatment Service at St John’s Hospital. )

This project aims to support those at an earlier stage of their memory difficulty journey, whether someone has:

• Not yet approached the GP
• Spoken with a GP or other health professional and been referred to be assessed by the Memory Treatment Service staff
• Been placed on a waiting list to be seen at clinic/by a consultant
• Been newly diagnosed with a formal Dementia diagnosis and awaiting access to Post Diagnostic Support 

Working collaboratively to support people facing memory loss

Bringing Cyrenians OPAL and the Food Train in West Lothian together has been an exciting and innovative way of working. Pulling organisations who have, and continue to, work closely with older adults together to support those who may be concerned about caring for someone experiencing memory difficulties has allowed us to reach far more people. 

OPAL also provide support for people on their own memory journey - from experiencing memory difficulties, waiting for follow ups, or those who are newly diagnosed with Dementia. We do this by providing welcoming groups that foster community, providing information and activities designed to support people facing memory loss. These groups are a comfort to both the participants and their carers, offering a chance to form new friendships, have a chat and a cuppa, and participate in activities of their choosing.  

Whilst our groups are running, Carers of West Lothian can offer ‘carer support’ enabling carers (who may not otherwise engage in a group for fear of leaving their loved one on their own) to access support for themselves helping to reduce social isolation. 

The Impact

The impact of the care offered at our six weekly workshops and our monthly support group where separate support spaces are offered to carers and the person living with memory difficulties is best expressed by the people it’s helped:

Sarah is 75 and supports her husband of 40+ years who is living with dementia. Since the onset of her husband’s memory loss, both her life and their life as a couple has changed dramatically. With friends pulling away from the couple as Sarah’s husbands memory worsened, they found themselves increasingly isolated.  After engaging with MIST from a home visit made by Carers of West Lothian staff they were keen to engage with our monthly support group. The group didn’t just provide space for the Sarah, but also her husband.   

“This is the only group I feel I can come along to knowing that my husband is well supported and safe whilst I can speak with others in a similar position. I didn’t expect him to settle but now it’s a part of his routine and he always looks forward to coming. It’s now also made us more comfortable in having conversations around other social group activities as well as considering day care facilities.”
– Sarah, carer and wife

Our Opal team have said that although Sarah's husband is "often very quiet", he has "formed a good relationship with OPAL staff and volunteers and often comes out of the group visibly happier, showing signs of being more relaxed after each visit and interacting with others and the activities planned. He’s taken part in lots of activities – from sense sessions, dominos, puzzles, reminiscence work, to simple conversation over a cuppa and a biscuit.” 

Sarah said that her husband “always comes out the group with a smile for the OPAL ladies – he doesn’t smile like that for me!”

The partnership between OPAL and MIST enables us to not only provide support for those experiencing or living with memory issues, but also the carer and family members supporting them. By working collaboratively with partner organisations we can provide a holistic approach and continue to support the carer and cared for person in the best way possible for them throughout their journey – ensuring they can live their best life.

Learn more about our OPAL (Older People Active Lives) and MIST (Memory Information Support Team) here.