The Significance of a Dementia Diagnosis: A Closer Look

At Wilson Browne Solicitors, we actively support and get involved in raising awareness for Dementia. Dementia Action Week this year (15 – 21 May 2023) focused on the importance of diagnosis.

The rates for a dementia diagnosis have depleted, meaning that many vulnerable people, as well as their loved ones, are unaware of the vital support available to them. This results in many facing a daunting and life-changing situation alone.

Although this can be frightening, research shows that 91% of people living with dementia encourage getting a diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Society undertook research which showed that 3 in 5 of the people they had spoken to, wished they had gotten diagnosed sooner, rather than waiting 2 or more years.

Why obtain a dementia diagnosis?

It is an over common belief that memory loss is just another sign of ageing. Here are a few benefits of an early dementia diagnosis:

• Richer and fuller life. Although there is no cure for dementia, you can learn what type of dementia you have e.g., Alzheimer’s disease or Vascular Dementia (the two most common forms of dementia). This may mean access to medication to help manage symptoms.
• Plan for the future. An early diagnosis means being able to think ahead, such as setting up a Power of Attorney (a legal document to appoint someone of choice to make decisions on your behalf, should you become unable). This ultimately allows for building and adjusting to a new life with loved ones.
• Protection. From any form of discrimination at work by law.
• Financial Benefits. Living with or caring for someone with dementia could mean entitlement to some benefits, should work be affected, or if extra costs are incurred.
• You are not alone. Dementia is an extremely daunting condition to go through.

Understanding the reason behind certain symptoms such as fluctuations in mood and behaviour can allow support like therapy and/or medication. It can allow communication of feelings, without the irritation as to why someone feels different.

An insight to Wilson Browne Solicitors: The Court of Protection Team

At Wilson Browne, we assist Clients living with dementia daily with a devoted team.

This may either be through a Power of Attorney or a Deputyship Order via the Court of Protection. Vicki Pearce is our head of team, Partner, a Solicitor, and is appointed on the Panel of Professional Deputies, with several years of experience and knowledge.

We are appointed either by choice and/or due to complex life decisions requiring our expertise.

Each of our Clients has a committed case handler to assist not just the Client, but their loved ones too. Our expert team allows families and friends, as well as our clients, to live a life knowing that we will take the utmost care of them.

Every decision made in our Court of Protection team, is in the best interest of our clients, as well as in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

We fully consider and respect that vulnerable people deserve to live their life as normally as we can help them.

Learn more about our Court of Protection team