The advice comes before the start of free clinics across the capital, aimed at offering support to those affected by the condition.
Throughout August, the clinics will be held in various Nationwide branches, including Sutton, and will be managed by specialist dementia nurses known as Admiral Nurses.
These clinics will provide confidential, face-to-face guidance in a safe and private setting, covering various aspects of dementia.
This includes concerns regarding memory issues, understanding a diagnosis, the progression of the condition, and assistance with financial and legal matters.
Ruby Guild, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We’re looking forward to returning to London.
“Nationwide branches offer a safe and private space for people to access specialist support for dementia, and the Fairer Futures partnership is helping us bring face-to-face support to people in a familiar location.”
To support the initiative, Dementia UK has shared some advice on how to talk about dementia with a loved one, encouraging them to visit their GP if they are showing signs or symptoms of the condition.
They recommend acting promptly if the person becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, as this can present an opportunity to discuss any symptoms they might be experiencing.
They also suggest explaining that signs of dementia can be shared with other conditions and that seeking advice from a GP can be less daunting than suggesting a dementia diagnosis.
Furthermore, they advise offering support in arranging and attending appointments and maintaining a symptom diary to assist healthcare professionals in making an accurate diagnosis.
The Sutton clinic will be situated at Nationwide’s branch on the High Street on August 19, 20 (afternoon only), and 21.
This initiative is part of Nationwide’s broader social impact programme, Fairer Futures, which seeks to tackle some of the UK’s most pressing social concerns, including dementia.
Debbie Crosbie, chief executive officer of Nationwide, said: “Nationwide wants to help people live their best life possible, for as long as possible.
“By working with Dementia UK to fund more Admiral Nurses and turning our branches into dementia clinics, we’re helping to tackle the country’s leading cause of death.
“As a mutual, we work for the good of society as well as our members.
“We believe this and Nationwide Fairer Futures will change hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”
The national initiative will see 200 pop-up clinics established across the country, and Nationwide will fund 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurse posts through Dementia UK.
The charity estimates that someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes, yet getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging.
Anyone impacted by dementia can book an appointment at one of the clinics through the Dementia UK website.
This service provides an opportunity for individuals and families to access the life-changing support they need.
