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
If you have questions or just need to talk, you can call the Alzheimer Scotland on their confidential Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000.
Getting help after diagnosis
After diagnosis, everyone is entitled to at least one year of support.
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
| The Sunlight Café in Fauldhouse Partnership Centre Lanrigg Road Fauldhouse, EH47 9JD Meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 1.30 - 3.00 pm | The Peoples Cafe - Uphall St. Andrews Care Home, St. Andrews Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, Uphall, EH52 5BX Meets Tuesday the 25th of September and after that Monthly on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10am to 11.30am. |
| Memory Cave Cafe - Armadale Community Centre & Library, North Street, Armadale, EH48 3QB Meets on the third Friday of every month from 10 am to 12 noon. | The Caring Cafe - Linlithgow The Lowport Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ Meets Monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10 am to 12 noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria) |
Whitburn Dementia Café ANSWER House , Reveston Lane, Whitburn, EH47 8HJ Meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.15pm. Contact - Evelyn Ralston on 01506 632 659 or 077176 78918 | Café Connect Extra - Livingston Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise, Dedridge, Livingston, EH54 6QR Meets Monthly on the first Wednesday of every month from 2pm to 3.30pm |
Bathgate Memory Café Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street Bathgate, EH48 1QW Meets on the 1st Monday of every month from 1.30 pm to 3.00pm | Forget Me Not Cafe - East Calder East Calder Parish Church Hall, Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0HF Meets on the last Thursday of every month from 10 am to 12 noon. |
West Lothian Dementia Resource Centre
Alzheimer Scotland's Dementia Resource Centres offer friendly, accessible information and support. You can drop in to browse and pick up information or make an appointment to see a Dementia Advisor.
This Service, run by Alzheimer Scotland, is for individuals in West Lothian who have a diagnosis of dementia, their families and carers and offers;
- Information and advice
- Monthly carer support group (for carers of people diagnosed when under 65) - person with dementia is also welcome to attend.
- Day opportunities for people in early, middle and late stages of dementia who were diagnosed when under 65.
- One-to-one support for people under 65.
- Dementia Cafes
- Community Activities
- Volunteering Opportunities
- Dementia Advisor
- Dementia Friends Sessions
Anyone can contact the service:
- People with dementia
- Carers, partners and family members
- Statutory agencies
- Voluntary agencies
Find out more about West Lothian Dementia Resource Centre (opens new window)
Address
Unit 1 Grampian Court,
Beveridge Square,
Livingston,
EH54 6QF
Phone: 01506 533 108