Living with dementia or memory loss

If you or someone you care for has dementia or you’re worried about your memory or theirs, this information may help you.

  notification highlight with exclamation alert

If you’re worried about the immediate health and safety of someone, please contact the emergency services directly on 999 or seek guidance from 111.

There are an estimated ten thousand people living with dementia in Leicestershire, including around 300 people under the age of 65. It is also estimated that around 4,000 people may be living with dementia without a formal diagnosis, which can delay access to care, treatment and support.

The LLR Living Well with Dementia Strategy 2024 to 2028 sets out Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland's ambition to help people live well with dementia. Developed with health, social care and voluntary sector partners, and informed by people with lived experience, the strategy aims to ensure that everyone affected by dementia can live with dignity, purpose, connection and control.

Get help for memory concerns

Memory is often the first thing that you may notice. If you’re worried that your memory is getting worse, or is beginning to affect everyday life, talk to your GP.

Not all memory problems are related to dementia, but your GP will decide with you what tests and support will be helpful to you.

Memory assessment

If your GP is concerned that you may have dementia, they will refer you to the relevant memory service for a more detailed assessment, diagnosis and to discuss any possible treatment.

Dementia Support Service

This free service, delivered by Alzheimer's Society supports people experiencing memory loss, living with a diagnosis, and family members and carers who support them.

They can support you throughout your dementia journey, offering information, advice, and support to help you remain independent for as long as possible. The service can also connect you with other local services to ensure you receive the right support for your individual needs.

They can help by:

  • Providing information about memory problems, dementia, and the assessment process
  • Offering emotional support and a listening ear
  • Helping you understand what support is available locally
  • Providing advice on maintaining independence and wellbeing
  • Supporting family members, friends, and carers who may have questions or concerns
  • Connecting you with local groups, activities, and other helpful services

They offer a range of friendly and engaging activity groups, support groups, and opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers across Leicestershire.

  notification highlight with information alert

You do not need a diagnosis of dementia to access this service.

For information and support please contact the Alzheimer's Society:

Phone: 0116 231 6939
Email: LLRdementiasupport@alzheimers.org.uk
Web: Alzheimer's Society

Equipment and memory aids to help with dementia or memory loss

You can buy equipment and memory aids which act as reminders and alarms to help you stay safe in your own home.

The Herbert Protocol (for people at risk of going missing)

If somebody living with dementia goes missing, it’s a very stressful situation for everyone concerned.

The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme and is available through Leicestershire Police. The scheme allows carers to record useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

You can find out more information about the scheme and download the form at Herbert Protocol (Leicestershire Police) or pick one up from your local police station.

Fill out the form with information about the person with dementia and keep it in a safe place.

If the person goes missing, add any relevant recent information and give the form to the police as it will have vital information about the person to help find them.

Help from Adult Social Care for care and support needs

If you need help and are over 18 and live in Leicestershire, then please request an assessment for care and support from us.

You don’t have to pay for the assessment however you may have to pay for any services offered depending on your financial circumstances. Not everyone who has a care and support assessment will be eligible for support however we will still provide advice and information to help you to stay well and independent.

Caring for someone with dementia

Caring can be rewarding but challenging at times.

Dementia UK have produced some advice videos to help you along the way.

If you’re a carer, unpaid carer or co-carer, you may find some useful advice, practical and financial help information on our Looking after someone pages. You can also request a carer’s assessment.

You can watch a playlist of our Adult Social Care videos (British Sign Language - YouTube)

Further reading and useful references

  • Dementia UK - Information and support from the specialist dementia charity
  • Dementia friends (Alzheimer's Society) increase your understanding of dementia and inspire others to make a difference to people affected by dementia
  • Training for paid carers (Leicestershire Social Care Development Group) training for social care providers
  • About dementia (NHS) information and services to help manage your health condition
  • Learning disabilities and dementia (Alzheimer's Society) find out more about memory and dementia for people with learning disabilities

Short films to understand dementia

Young onset of dementia for symptoms under 65 years old

Ethnic minority communities