The term 'dementia' covers a range of diseases or disorders affecting the brain. It comes in many forms, the most common being Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease. 

Symptoms can include:

  • loss of memory
  • confusion and difficulty when thinking
  • sudden or unexpected changes in personality, mood, and behaviour

Dementia is not a part of aging. While dementia usually affects older people and can become more common with age, it can develop in younger adults. 

It is also important to note that if you are experiencing problems with your memory or any other age-related issues, it does not necessarily mean that you are developing dementia. To learn more about dementia symptoms, causes and treatments, visit the dementia pages on the NHS website.

Did you know that 45% of dementia is preventable or can be delayed? In a 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care found there are 14 risk factors that increase someone’s chances of developing dementia. To find out more and for tips and advice, visit the Alzheimer’s Society “Reduce your risk of dementia” webpage. 

We are committed to supporting people with dementia and their carers so that they can lead lives that are as happy, fulfilling and independent as possiblepossible. Visit the Sutton’s Joint Dementia Strategy page to find out more.

Support from your GP

If you're worried about your memory, make an appointment with your doctor.

Find your local GP

Referral to a memory assessment service

Your GP may make a referral to a memory assessment service who will assess your situation and diagnose your condition. They can also help you access other health and support services.

Learn more about Sutton's memory assessment service

Dementia support in Sutton

The Dementia Hub has been put into place as a “one stop shop” for information and advice about Dementia, including:

  • Dementia Adviser Service run by Age UK Sutton to help you understand where you are in your dementia journey and find the support you need. 
  • Access to peer support groups and dementia-friendly activities throughout Sutton, such as gentle exercise classes, singing groups and Dementia Cafes.
  • The Dementia Wellbeing Programme, interactive support for people with dementia, their families and unpaid carers. 
  • Dementia Admiral Nurses, registered nurses who specialise in dementia care to help carers and families affected by dementia who have complex needs.

Sutton Dementia Hub

Phone 020 8078 0002 
Email dementiahub@ageuksutton.org.uk or info@ageuksutton.org.uk
 

Caring for someone with dementia

If you look after someone with dementia, there are local support groups and activities available, and if eligible, you may be able to receive financial support in your caring role:

Sutton Carers Centre

Sutton Carers Centre runs a number of different support groups for families and unpaid carers looking after someone with dementia. 
Sutton Carers Centre 

Website www.suttoncarerscentre.org 
Phone 020 8296 5611 
Email enquiries@suttoncarerscentre.org
 

Sutton Dementia Hub

The Dementia Hub provides support to families and carers in Sutton. They offer specialist support through the Admiral Nurse Service as well as peer support groups, activities and can help you find other local support and services you may need.

Phone 020 8078 0002 
Email dementiahub@ageuksutton.org.uk or info@ageuksutton.org.uk


Sutton Information Hub 

The Sutton Information Hub is your online guide to local services, events and advice. You can search by topic, neighbourhood area or the type of service or support you are looking for. 

Website https://suttoninformationhub.org.uk
 

Get dementia care from Admiral Nurses

Admiral Nurses are registered nurses who specialise in dementia care. They work with families affected by dementia who have complex needs.

The Admiral Nurse service is delivered as a collaboration between Sutton Council and Dementia UK.

About Admiral Nurses

The Admiral Nurses will provide:

  • specialist bio-psychosocial assessment 
  • support to carers and families to learn about dementia and develop coping skills
  • consultancy to other health and social care professionals for dementia


How to self-refer 

You can self-refer by e-mailing admiral.nurseteam@nhs.net or calling 020 8770 5327. 

Referrals from professionals

Referrals will be accepted from any professional within health, social services or the voluntary sector, working with the family living with dementia.

Professionals will need to complete the Admiral Nurses referral form. You can contact us to request this. 

When to contact Admiral Nurses

You can be referred for Admiral Nurses support if:

  • the person with dementia has a diagnosis of dementia or suspected diagnosis and lives within the London Borough of Sutton
  • the carer has consented to the referral
  • the person with dementia has complex care needs or the family’s needs are complex, due to:
  • high levels of distress 
  • change in presentation of the person with dementia 
  • end of life
  • other services are unable to meet the needs and complexity of the caring situation

If you are a family living with dementia, you can be referred to Admiral Nurses from any health or social care professional, or you can refer yourself.

Requesting a needs assessment 

To find out if you're eligible for care or support arranged by the council, you can request a care needs assessment.

Most people pay something towards their care.