If you, or someone you support, is living with memory loss or dementia, use this page to find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and what support is available locally to help you to live well.
Dementia is not a disease itself, it’s a collection of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Over time these symptoms affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour.
You can find out more about dementia on the NHS website, including what causes it, if it can be prevented and how it's treated. Find out more about the symptoms of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society are a leading dementia charity and give information including on:
- risks of developing dementia
- symptoms
- stages
- treatments
Age UK give lots of information on dementia including:
- what dementia is
- living well with dementia
- how to make your home more dementia friendly
- planning for the future
Dementia UK have good information about ‘young onset’ dementia, where symptoms develop under the age of 65.
Dementia can affect anyone and many of the risks cannot be avoided. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia, including keeping active, eating healthily and exercising your mind.
You can find out more about reducing your risk on the NHS website. Experts agree that what's good for your heart is also good for your brain. You can help reduce your risk of dementia by:
- eating a balanced diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly
- keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- stopping smoking
- keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
Alzheimer’s Society give detailed information, which can help you to understand how to reduce your risk.
If you are aged 40 to 74 you may be able to get a free NHS Health Check. The health check can help find early signs or lower your risk of developing health problems including stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions can also increase your risk of dementia. If you’ve not been invited for an NHS Health check, ask your GP surgery or Everyone Health B&NES.
First steps
If you're worried about yourself or a loved one, it's a good idea to see a GP.
Alzheimer’s Society have a useful dementia symptom checklist. This checklist can help you make a note of symptoms before you talk to your GP and can aid that conversation.
Find out what to expect when you see a GP about dementia, and possible next steps.
Dementia can be difficult to diagnose, especially if your symptoms are mild. The GP may refer you to a memory clinic or healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing dementia.
Next Steps and Dementia Change Action Network give information about what to expect at your memory assessment and steps you can take while waiting for an appointment date.
Assessment and diagnosis
In Bath and North East Somerset the NHS Memory Clinic is at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath. It’s run by the dementia charity ReMind UK and provides memory clinics and diagnosis, plus information, support and activities for you and your carer. Your GP can refer you to this service. Find out about Your patient journey with ReMind UK.
Individuals can also pay for ReMind UK services through private self-funded assessment.
ReMind UK
ReMind UK’s Your patient journey tells you about the assessment process and what services they provide after diagnosis.
ReMind UK offers a range of post diagnosis support through its Chat, Make and Move wellbeing programme, carers’ courses and a range of workshops and events. These sessions are open to anyone, and you can register your interest. They can also help you link to other services including the local Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advice service.
BANES Alzheimer's Society
BANES Alzheimer's Society offers information, advice and emotional support to local people living with dementia and their loved ones, including a dedicated Dementia Advice Team, Singing for the Brain group and a Carers Support and Information Programme:
BANES Alzheimer's Society Services
Dementia and memory loss support, groups and activities
Explore our directory of support groups, organisations and activities for people living with dementia or memory loss, including for those without a formal diagnosis.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through the Admiral Nurse service with a free confidential Dementia Helpline.
Alzheimer's Society national services
Alzheimer’s Society Companion Call service is specifically designed for individuals affected by dementia, providing a warm and supportive channel for conversation.
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Forum is an online community where anyone affected by dementia can receive support.
Social care
If you're struggling to do things on a daily basis and think you might need extra support from social care, you can contact the Access, Advice and Information Team. They will listen to you and help you get the support you need. Find out more about getting social care and health support. You can also learn more about care needs assessments and how to ask for one within our Adult social care pages.
Carers
If you care for a family member or friend living with dementia, in an unpaid role, you are a carer and you are entitled to a Carers assessment, even if the person you care for does not want, need or receive support services themselves. There is also lots of information, help and support available for you as a carer. Have a look at our Help and support for carers pages.
BANES Carers' Centre
The Carers’ Centre is a local charity helping unpaid carers navigate the challenges of caring, through guidance, support and creating connections. They provide a support line, advice and guidance, emotional support and activities for carers. Explore their resources for those caring for loved ones with dementia.
Alzheimer's Society advice on caring for someone with dementia
Alzheimer’s Society Help and support with dementia care offers advice on caring for someone with dementia and on getting the support you need to look after yourself.
Alzheimer's Society Dementia Friends
Learn about dementia and how you can support someone living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friend.
Dementia Friendly Peasedown
Dementia Friendly Peasedown have a team of trained Dementia Champions who raise awareness across the village, helping to create a dementia-friendly community.
ReMind UK Carers Support
ReMind UK run free half-day information sessions for carers to gain a better understanding of dementia, think about future planning and find out about local support services.
The ReMind UK – Research Institute for Brain Health have been delivering cutting-edge research in dementia for over two decades in Bath.
Anyone impacted by dementia can participate in the research and the Institute run studies ranging from clinical trials looking at new treatments, to academic research looking at ways to improve the quality of life for carers and patients. There are also opportunities for healthy volunteers to participate in dementia trials.
ReMind UK’s Guide to living well with dementia is a two part post-diagnosis booklet for people living with dementia and those who care for them. The first part offers information and top tips around brain health, dementia diagnoses and what to expect. Plus, practical tips and ideas around legal issues, medical considerations, home assessments and emergency planning, as well as practical ways to maintain wellbeing. Part two is a comprehensive directory of the many dementia-friendly services and resources available both locally and nationally.
Social, learning and wellbeing activities
ReMind UK host regular free activities and events for people affected by cognitive impairment or dementia, along with their loved ones.
Explore our directory of support groups, organisations and activities for people living with dementia or memory loss. You can also find a huge range of social, leisure and learning opportunities for all adults in BANES including; social or leisure groups, wellbeing and fitness activities, learning and volunteering opportunities, and befriending services.
Reminiscence Packs and materials to support people living with dementia can be found at your local library.
Reading Well for dementia recommends reading and digital resources for people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers, and for children to help them understand more about dementia. The books and resources have been chosen by people living with dementia, carers and health professionals.
Housing
Read about How to make your home dementia friendly on the NHS website.
Aids, adaptations and assistive technology
There are lots of aids and adaptations that can help people living with dementia be more comfortable and safe at home. See Dementia UK information on living aids and assistive technology, and Alzheimer’s Society How technology can help. Find details of local services, information and advice that can help people to stay safe and independent at home.
Care at home
Care at home, sometimes known as homecare or domiciliary care, provides a carer who visits you at home to support you with tasks. Find information about different types of Care at home and search our directory to find locally available services.
Care homes
If you are thinking about a Care Home, you can find guidance around types of homes and details of all Care Homes in BANES as well as information about paying for care.
Benefits
You may be able to get Attendance Allowance. This helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
Some people living with dementia can get a discount on their Council Tax. This comes under the 'severe mental impairment' exemption.
If you need support with claiming benefits, money matters or planning for the future the Community Wellbeing Hub can help. They work with local organisations including Age UK BANES and Citizens Advice BANES. You can call The Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050.
Health
Get information to help you if you are living with frailty, including about falls, bladder and bowel issues and how to find local support.
The Association of UK Dietitians have produced information about eating and drinking difficulties in dementia.
Transport
A dementia diagnosis does not necessarily mean you have to stop driving but you must inform DVLA and your insurance provider of your diagnosis. Some people diagnosed with dementia decide for themselves that they want to stop driving. The Alzheimer’s Society have produced a Factsheet on Driving and dementia.
If you have a dementia diagnosis you may be entitled to a Blue Badge.
Community transport schemes provide safe and accessible transport for people unable to use public transport. Search for a Community transport scheme near you.
Planning for the future
You may wish to record your beliefs, wishes and choices regarding your care in the future. You might consider:
- making a prior decision to decline any particular medical treatment at a future date
- having a ReSPECT form in place, which records a person's personalised preferences for emergency medical care
- making any legal decisions about your health and welfare, property and finance
- getting a lasting power of attorney
- where you would prefer to be cared for, including at the end of your life
Find more Financial and legal information on the Alzheimer’s Society website.
Find information about making important decisions including handling someone else's affairs, registering a lasting power of attorney, advocacy, and local organisations that can help.
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer’s Society provide End of life care and support information. This includes understanding when a person with dementia is nearing the end of their life, communication and physical needs, and guidance around grief, loss and bereavement.
Dorothy House
Dorothy House provides specialist palliative end of life care to people living with life-limiting conditions. They have an Inpatient Unit in Winsley, Wiltshire, but most of their care is offered in people’s homes, care homes or community hospitals. They also offer day services and clinics, and family and bereavement support. Their information hub providing end of life and palliative care resources for patients, carers, family members and healthcare professionals.
Counselling and bereavement support
You can find details of local counselling services and bereavement support on our Prevention and keeping well page.
Last updated: 20 March 2026