Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which can occur after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging.
At a meeting of Spencer Lodge on the 28th of November 2018, a number of experts in the subject gathered at Derby Masonic Hall to give an informative talk on Dementia and to give an insight into what it is like to live with. The event was open to members and guests who learned five key messages which could help people to turn understanding into practical action which could assist someone living with dementia. Every action, big or small will count. The speakers were:
Sue Roberts; ( Lead Nurse for dementia, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust )
Clementine Morley ( Dementia Key Worker, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust )
Anne Child MBE; ( Pharmacy & Dementia Lead . Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company – RMBI )
Sam Maddocks; ( Masonic Charitable Foundation Advice and Support Team. Senior Adviser for the North of England. Deputy Safeguarding Officer )
Maggie Holloway; ( Masonic Charitable Foundation Advice & Support Team Manager )
Lynn Marriott; ( Dementia Ambassador, who spoke on the work of Admiral Nurses )
In March 2018, Spencer lodge donated £ 1,500 to the ‘Butterfly Fund’ at the University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS trust ( Royal Derby site) The donation was to assist in the purchase of animated dogs, cats and babies used for the treatment of patients living with dementia. Please click here for more information on this.
It was during this presentation that Derbyshire Freemasons first met Sue Roberts, Lead Nurse who agreed to deliver the presentation.
At the presentation, the Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire Freemasons, Steven Varley presented the Butterfly Fund with another £1500 from the Provincial Grand Charity to assist them in the continuance of their great work. At the meal which followed the meeting, Ecclesburne Lodge presents the Butterfly Fund with a cheque for £116. In addition, Spencer Lodge presented the Admiral Nurses with a cheque for £1000.
All in all, tremendous support from Derbyshire Freemasons which it is hoped will give great assistance to these wonderful organisations.
