CARERS who look after patients with dementia are very often unsung heroes, dealing with what can be an incredibly frustrating and misunderstood condition on a daily basis.

A special kind of person is needed to take on the duties of looking after somebody with dementia and Kizzy Livermore, a support worker with the Alzheimer's Society, knows all about the sacrifices some people have to make to care for a loved one.

In her role, Miss Livermore sees the effect dementia has on families and the many different types of the disease.

Miss Livermore works at the West Cumbria branch of the Alzheimer's Society and her job is to make life that bit easier for people with dementia and support their carers.

The role is incredibly varied and sees Kizzy help people maintain the independence of people with dementia by responding to their needs and organising empowering events in the community.

Miss Livermore, who has been in the role for two years, said: "The way that people talk about dementia, even in the short time that I have worked in this field, and the willingness to discuss it has changed.

"We will work with people before their diagnosis if they are having memory problems and how best to seek medical advice. We can support them with that process.

"We give emotional support when they receive that diagnosis and practical tips to manage with memory loss."

Dementia is a term that describes symptoms associated with a decline in memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 per cent of cases.

Despite its name, the Alzheimer's Society deals with people with all forms of dementia and predictions suggest the number of people relying on the services provided by the charity is set to rocket in the next few years.

Research shows that 850,000 people in the UK currently have a form of dementia.

In less than 10 years it is expected that one million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051.

Some of the key issues affecting carers of people with dementia are sacrificing their free time and giving up things like work and hobbies. It can also have a knock-on impact on their own health, due to them neglecting their own medical needs and putting off worries in favour of carrying out care work.

While understanding the huge pressure on carers, Miss Livermore, who travels between Millom and Egremont, said it was important for carers to stay involved in their own communities as much as possible.

She said: "The bit I really like about my job is I get to support carers, sometimes without necessarily knowing the person with dementia. Often carers will come to me and it's almost like having that respite.

"My advice would be to keep involved in the community and don't close the door."

Sports, interests and hobbies which a carer may have been doing before their duties began, such as swimming or visiting friends, should be continued if possible.

When it comes to supporting people with dementia, Miss Livermore and people like her will listen and come up with solutions to everyday problems.

One of the big issues with dementia is sight and loss of appetite. Bright-coloured plates and knives and forks can improve a person's spatial awareness, stimulate interest and make the food more visible.

She said: "Managing day-to-day we will give practical advice so if somebody is not eating the same way they used to we can talk about the perception of the food and what's causing the issues. We will try things like changing the colour of crockery to make it more attractive.

"We can tailor the support we give. If people are less comfortable in groups then we will visit people in their homes and in their local libraries."

For more information on dementia and for local events, contact the West Cumbria Alzheimer's Society branch on 01900 607280, the Furness branch on 01229 832004 or the South Lakeland branch on 01539 742631.

RELATED ARTICLE: Eye and smell tests may reveal early dementia signs

Dementia facts


- Dementia is a term that describes a symptoms associated with a decline in memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases.

- Symptoms of dementia can include impaired memory, impaired communication, confusion with times and dates, poor ability to focus and pay attention, lack of reasoning and impaired visual perception.

- Research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.

- In less than 10 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051.

- 225,000 will develop dementia this year, equating to one person every three minutes.

- Dementia costs the UK economy over £26bn every year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.