Dementia Friendly Dumfries


Definition:
According to CDC, "Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging."
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html

About:
Dementia Friendly Dumfries is an initiative led by the Town government to raise awareness of those living with dementia in Town of Dumfries. The goal is to create a safe environment for those with dementia and their care partners so that they can continue to engage in daily community activities. Dementia Friendly America has been chosen for structure, community development and training resources.

Mission Statement:
Dementia Friendly Dumfries is an initiative to raise awareness and support for people with dementia and their caregivers to continue to make Dumfries a place where people of all abilities can live, work and play. 

Facts:
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60- 70% of dementia cases. It is estimated that by 2030 the total number of people living with the disease will reach 82 million worldwide. There is no treatment currently available to cure dementia or to alter its progressive course. 

 

In Prince William County, most recent data from the Virginia Alzheimer's Commission shows that 2,883 residents within the county live with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. 2,739 of those residents with this disease are individuals of age 65 and over. The impact of dementia on caregivers, family, and society at large can be physical, psychological, social and economic. 

Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure 
4. Confusion with time or place 
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations 
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 
8. Decreased or poor judgement 
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 
10. Changes in mood or personality 

Care Partner Support and Education: Alzheimer’s Association
Representatives are available in multiple languages. Call the 24/7 Helpline at 1.800. 272.3900 or visit www.alz.org.

Supportive Services: Prince William County Area Agency on Aging
For more information about our programs and services, call 703-792-6374, or email pwaaa@pwcgov.org

For TTY, please dial 7-1-1 for the Virginia Relay System.
Para asistencia en Español acerca de los servicios para personas mayores llame al 703-792-5962.

Information for our dementia friendly community
Thanks to Dementia Friendly America we have a compiled list of books about dementia for Kids:

Books About Dementia For Kids

Dementia Friendly Businesses
Do you want to be a Dementia Friendly Business? If so complete our Dementia Friendly Business Checklist. Making your business dementia friendly brings economic benefit as branding your business as forward thinking and customer service oriented. 

Community Partners:

ACTS 
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc & The Weems-Botts Museum
Potomac Place Assisted Living & Memory Care 


If you are interested in becoming part of this action team in Town of Dumfries please email: PIO@dumfriesva.gov