Dementia: hundreds of thousands who rarely go outside

Almost 300,000 people who suffer dementia only venture outside once a week at the most and tens of thousands have given up doing so altogether, a study has found.

Research by the Alzheimer’s Society highlighted how people suffering dementia feel increasingly trapped in their homes because of the difficulties of getting around.

The study called for a radical redesign of Britain’s cities – from shops to public transport – to accommodate growing numbers of people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s as the population ages.

It included a rare poll of dementia sufferers, completed with the help of carers, which found that more than two thirds are reluctant to venture outside for fear of becoming confused and getting lost or difficulties using transport or shops.

A similar proportion said they no longer felt able to contribute to their community even though in a separate poll of the wider population only three per cent thought that dementia sufferers had nothing to offer.

Six out of 10 of the sufferers said they no longer felt confident to try new things and 35 per cent they now only go outside once a week at most, while one in 10 leave their house or care home less often than once a month.

Based on estimates that there are 800,000 sufferers in the UK, that suggests that 280,000 people leave home less frequently than once a week.

More than a quarter of those who still live at home – the equivalent of about 180,000 people - said they had effectively given up going outside and felt “trapped” in their home.

The report calls for public places to be adapted to become “dementia friendly” to accommodate greater numbers of sufferers and enable them to get around safely for as long as possible.

It highlights examples of changes such as street signs being simplified, banks and shops offering quiet spaces for people who are confused and a museums offering special memorabilia exhibitions designed to help stimulate memory.

It also praises schemes in which police, shopkeepers or members of community groups such as churches of synagogues have been given special training to help people with dementia.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It is shocking and saddening that so many people with dementia feel trapped and cut off from everyday local life.
“It’s encouraging to see some communities have started on their journey of change but it needs to be a priority for everyone to act now.

“It’s vital we empower people with dementia and their carers.”
Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, said: “The dementia time-bomb is one of the most pressing challenges this country faces in the years ahead.”

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John Bingham