NEWS

How can we help the people in our communities age well with dementia?

Introducing a new 3-day virtual conference, taking place this summer.

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult and challenging in many ways. There are emotional and physical challenges to come to terms with for everyone involved in the life of the person with a diagnosis.

People with learning disabilities – particularly those with Down’s syndrome – are at increased risk of developing dementia (Alzheimer’s UK, 2021), and often from a relatively young age. When a person with learning disabilities develops dementia, they face unique and heightened challenges.

Ageing Well with Dementia and Learning Disabilities is a virtual conference by Bild, and will take place from the 22-24 June 2021. We will be exploring how we can help people in our communities age well with dementia through three days of keynotes, workshops and discussions.

This conference is particularly relevant to: Family members or carers of a people effected by learning disability and dementia; Health professionals; Direct support workers; Service managers; Academics, researchers and students.

Over the last 30 years, the life expectancy for people with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities has increased significantly. We celebrate these achievements and continue to work hard to reduce inequalities that impact life expectancy.

Yet, with this achievement comes new challenges. We have started to see more age-related conditions in people with learning disabilities, like dementia.

We want to ensure families, support workers, people with learning disabilities and others understand how dementia effects people with learning disabilities. We want to equip people with skills and knowledge so people with learning disabilities can continue to live the lives they choose whilst living with dementia.

At our Ageing Well conference, delegates will hear personal stories from people with learning disabilities about their own experiences of dementia and learning disabilities, and join practical workshops to explore and discuss best practice. They will also discover the latest research on the diagnosis, presentation and management of the disease through a series of expert speakers from leading institutions across the UK.

Lindsey Allen (Learning Disability and Autism Manager, Bild) said about the conference:

“Dementia is such an important issue for people with learning disabilities, but with the right care and support, people can still live fulfilling and rich lives. At ‘Ageing Well’ we aim to inspire and equip you and your colleagues as you continuously strive to improve quality of life for those you work alongside and support.”

The programme includes keynotes from leaders in the field, such as Dr Karen Dodd (Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust), Professor Mary Mc Carron (Trinity College Dublin) and Dr Sarah Pape (Kings College London). We’re also delighted to offer practical workshops on topics such as communication, swallowing and activities for people with dementia, delivered by colleagues from Dementia UK and Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital.

Register before 14 May to receive 10% off your ticket! Simply apply discount code earlybird10 at registration. 

Bild Members receive 35% off when booked before 14 May! If you are a Bild Member, you will have received communications about how you can apply this discount. Not yet a member? Find out more about Bild membership here.

Find out more about our exciting programme, speakers and how you can register here.