As of March 2023, the number of Americans conducting online searches for “how to look after someone with dementia” was up 100% from March last year.
The volume of online searches for “help with dementia” have also increased by 1,600% over a similar period, indicating a rise in loved ones and relatives of those with dementia seeking methods of care and support.
A 2020 study conducted by Alzheimer’s Association revealed that the number one fear in Americans over 60 was the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia (35%), followed by cancer (23%) and stroke (15%).
As the evidence suggests, there is much fear surrounding dementia but, in some areas, room for growth in both understanding and awareness.
Creators of well-being products and games for all stages of dementia, Relish, have sought to respond to these statistics by connecting individuals seeking answers and knowledge with the right facts and information. As such, Relish has launched a brand new area of resources and well-being tips, containing insights into personal journeys, tips for independent living and positive well-being, as well as personal experiences of those living with dementia.
Experts at Relish have been speaking and listening intently to carers and people with dementia across the United States of America and Great Britain, publishing their discussions in a series of open, honest and informative interview videos that explore the daily challenges present in the everyday lives of those affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly.
One such challenge that has been addressed is that of relationships with friends, family and loved ones, and how they can change as dementia progresses.
“A lack of understanding can hurt relationships, it is important to help [friends and family] to understand how to talk to you and what might change. We all just want to be treated the same fundamentally because we are still the same,” noted Dr Jennifer Bute, a former GP who is now diagnosed with dementia
Well-being can have a range of meanings, but Relish ties their advice into 8 key “levers” to help both people with dementia and their loved ones improve their well-being – each of which is thoroughly explored in videos, podcasts, blog content and more.
The Relish community of diagnosed individuals have provided key tips and advice on what they do to ensure that they live a fulfilled life after diagnosis. The resource also includes tips from a community of carers on how they assist their loved ones.
Commenting on the launch, Relish brand manager Bianca Ansbro-Elliott stated: “Overall, our hope for this collective hub of information and lived experiences is that it will enable people with dementia – and those that care for them – to find informative and reassuring answers to their questions, inspiration and guidance on methods of care and a sense of community and support. Living with dementia, or caring for someone with it, comes with a variety of challenges, but we hope resources such as this will take some of the pressures away to improve the wellbeing of both the people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
