Dementia

If you are concerned about your own memory, or you are worried about changes you have noticed with memory, communication, personality or behaviour of someone close to you, it is important to speak to your GP as soon as possible.

There are other health conditions such as depression, stress, thyroid problems and vitamin B12 deficiency that can cause symptoms similar to dementia so it's important to find out what is causing problems with your health.

Having a diagnosis of dementia can be scary but the earlier it is diagnosed the better.

An early diagnosis can help the person with dementia and their family to get the best treatment, support and plans in place as soon as possible. This includes looking at finances, legal issues and making decisions for the present and the future.
An early diagnosis can help someone stay well for longer by increasing their awareness of the condition and how they and their family can make adjustments to improve their quality of life
Medication and other interventions can be used to help manage and lessen the symptoms

Dementia Advisor Helpline

You can also speak to a Dementia Advisor via the Dementia Advisors Helpline. The Dementia Advisor Helpline is available on 0300 373 5774 (charged at local rate) or you can email ndas@alzscot.org (opens new window)

The service operates during the following hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Outside these hours you will be given the option to leave your details for a call back from the National Dementia Advisor Service on the next working day, or to be connected to our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000).

Advice shop

The Advice Shop offer a targeted service for anyone living in West Lothian who is older (60+), have dementia or have another terminal long term condition and people reaching State Pension Age.

West Lothian Council Advice Shop
Bathgate Partnership Centre
South Bridge Street
Bathgate
West Lothian
EH48 1TS
United Kingdom

Tel: 01506 283000

You can find further information about how the advice shop can help people with a terminal long term contition ontheir web pages.

Dementia Cafes

Dementia cafés offer a 'dementia friendly' place for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends to meet up for a chat and a coffee. You can also get helpful information or advice about any issues relating to dementia from Dementia Advisors and other staff.

Alzheimer Scotland has the following Dementia cafés in West Lothian:

Information on what's on in West Lothian - Alzheimer Scotland (opens new window)

West Lothian Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre

Alzheimer Scotland's Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centres offer a friendly and relaxed approach which offers advice, support, information or just someone to talk to. You can drop in to any of our weekly cafes within the centre even if its just for a brew and blether.

This Service, run by Alzheimer Scotland, is for individuals in West Lothian who have a diagnosis of dementia, their families, carers or people with concerns for their own Brain Health or worried about their memory.