Dementia Support Line
Dementia information in BSL
Learn about common types of dementia, how to recognise symptoms, seeking a diagnosis, and living well with dementia in these British Sign Language (BSL) videos.
Getting a dementia diagnosis
Watch our videos in BSL with information about how dementia affects Deaf people, the symptoms and how to get a diagnosis
Symptoms checklist
If you're worried that your symptoms could be signs of dementia, use our checklist to help describe your symptoms to a GP or health professional.
Your GP might not be familiar with the next steps in diagnosing dementia in a Deaf person. It can help to take the details about specialist BSL screening services with you to your appointment.
Specialist BSL screening services
What causes dementia?
Information covering common questions and concerns that the Deaf community have about dementia, including how to get a diagnosis
Need dementia support?
If you have speech or hearing impairments and have a textphone or an adapted computer, you can use Text Relay to call our Dementia Connect support line on 18001 0300 222 1122
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Information about Alzheimer’s disease, including the symptoms, causes and treatment
What is vascular dementia?
Information about vascular dementia, including the symptoms, causes and controlling symptoms
What is dementia with Lewy bodies?
Information about dementia with Lewy bodies, including the symptoms, causes and controlling symptoms
What is frontotemporal dementia?
Information about frontotemporal dementia, including the symptoms, causes and controlling symptoms
Living well with dementia
Watch our videos in BSL with information on how you can live well if you are Deaf and affected by dementia. You will also find helpful information in The British Deaf Association's BSL toolkit.
Coping with changes in communication and behaviour
Information on the most common challenges if you are Deaf and living with dementia, as well as practical tips about how to support someone with dementia
How dementia symptoms affect everyday life
Examples of how dementia symptoms can affect someone's everyday life
Staying as independent and healthy as possible
Tips for anyone affected by dementia on how to look after themselves and stay connected
Deaf Community dementia advice
British Deaf Association (BDA) has produced a range of BSL videos, from communication tips, to making your home dementia friendly.
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There is a specialist Deaf BSL User Memory Service in London:
Dr Cath Mummery, Consultant Neurologist
Specialist Cognitive Disorders Service, London WC1N 3BG.
If you are based in England (except Bristol), your GP will need to refer you to this Deaf BSL User Memory Service.
If you are based in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, your GP will need to refer you to a consultant who can refer you to the Deaf BSL User Memory Service. Your consultant must state in the referral that you are a Deaf BSL user. Patients in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales need to secure funding through their local health board before a referral is made. The referral will need to include proof of funding.
At the Memory Service, you will meet a psychologist fluent in BSL and a neurologist doctor.
The Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service and the Specialist Deaf Service have collaborated to make sure the assessment for dementia diagnosis is in BSL and culturally accessible.
You can read more information about the Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service on their website, download their Easy Read leaflet or watch the video in BSL.