Interview with Dr Hilda Hayo
On the 10th anniversary of her tenure as CEO of Dementia UK and on World Alzheimer’s Day, we sat down with Dr Hilda Hayo to raise awareness about Dementia, challenge the stigma that so often accompanies a diagnosis and dig down into the tragic pathways to and from an Early-Onset Dementia diagnosis.
With nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide, it is vital that we all play a role in raising awareness of this disease and the woefully diverging support networks available to those diagnosed, and the families who care for them.
In this fascinating, passionate and wide-ranging interview, Dr Hilda Hayo outlines her top five myths about Dementia and reveals the tragic lack of support for Early-Onset Dementia.
Dr Hayo also describes the complicated pathways to diagnosis and the catastrophic impact on their relationships, professional lives and financial income. Her interview is a vital watch especially when outlining the crucial role of Admiral Nurses in caring for Dementia patients and supporting their families.
What is Dementia?
While people often believe that Dementia is a normal part of ageing, only affecting memory, it is actually a progressive disease that damages the brain. The symptoms of Dementia worsen over time and include:
- memory loss
- confusion and requiring support with daily tasks
- difficulty with language and understanding
- changes in behaviour and personality
The deterioration in mental ability is much more severe in someone suffering from Dementia than someone who is simply ageing.
Dementia doesn’t just affect the elderly
Most often, Dementia occurs in patients over the age of 65. However, early onset Dementia can affect people much younger, even children. Around 70,000 younger people in the UK currently suffer from the disease and it can often be more difficult to manage, as working age people may experience employment issues, have significant financial commitments such as a mortgage and have a younger and more dependent family.
