Safer Bradford - Board Manager's Blog (July 2025)

Understanding Dementia: Compassion, Care & Community Support

Hello everyone, I hope this month’s blog finds you well and you're enjoying some of the brighter sunnier days that summer brings. It’s been a hot one so far , I’ve been finding it tough to get a good night’s sleep with these warm nights. The heat has definitely made its presence known and we are only half way through the month!

For me, July always feels like a halfway checkpoint, time to catch my breath, take stock, and refocus. It’s also a chance to keep learning, especially when it comes to safeguarding issues that continue to impact the people around us every day.

This month, I want to shine a spotlight on something that touches the lives of many families - dementia. It's a word we often hear, but many may not fully understand the condition, or the challenges faced by those living with it, as well as their carers.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease but a general term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. These conditions damage nerve cells and interfere with the way messages are sent and received, affecting a person's memory, cognitive abilities, communication, and behaviour.

There are many types of dementia, but the most common include:

🔹 Alzheimer`s disease

🔹 Vascular dementia

🔹 Frontotemporal dementia

🔹 Lewy Body dementia

You may also hear the term mixed dementia, where someone experiences more than one type, often Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

While dementia is more common in older adults, it is important to recognise that younger people can be affected too. In fact, over 70,000 people in the UK live with young onset dementia, where symptoms appear before the age of 65.

Recognising the Signs

Dementia affects everyone differently, but common symptoms may include:

🔹 Memory loss or confusion

🔹 Difficulty concentrating or processing information

🔹 Problems with language or finding the right words

🔹 Changes in mood or behaviour

🔹 Difficulty with everyday tasks like handling money or preparing food

It’s important that if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, you speak to a GP. Some conditions that mimic dementia are actually treatable—like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, infections, or depression.

When Dementia Becomes a Safeguarding Concern

While dementia is a medical condition, it can also present safeguarding concerns, especially when someone is unable to keep themselves safe or when they are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

People with dementia may:

🔹 Wander and become lost or disoriented

🔹 Be more vulnerable to scams or financial abuse

🔹 Struggle to manage their medication, meals, or personal hygiene

🔹 Be inadvertently harmed due to a carer's stress or lack of support

Safeguarding is about recognising these risks early and responding appropriately. If you ever have concerns about someone’s safety, please don’t hesitate to speak to a GP, social worker, or report your concerns through the Safer Bradford website -
www.saferbradford.co.uk

The Herbert Protocol

When someone with dementia goes missing, every second counts.

The Herbert Protocol is a nationally recognised scheme supported by West Yorkshire Police and the Bradford Safeguarding Partnerships. It encourages carers, families, and professionals to complete a simple form that contains vital information about a person living with dementia. This might include:

🔹 Medical needs

🔹 Regular routines or places they frequent

🔹 A recent photo

🔹 Contact details of family and friends

In the distressing event that someone goes missing, this form can be handed quickly to police officers, helping them act fast and effectively. It eases the pressure on families at an already emotional time.

You can download the form and learn more on the West Yorkshire Police webpage - West Yorkshire Police – Herbert Protocol

This initiative is named after George Herbert, a war veteran with dementia who sadly passed away while trying to return to his childhood home. It’s a reminder of the real risks and the importance of early planning and support.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a carer, a professional, or simply a member of our community—being informed about dementia means you’re better equipped to offer support, raise awareness, and help create a more compassionate and safer society for everyone.

Dementia can be overwhelming, but no one should face it alone. Below are some of the amazing resources out there, from Admiral Nurses at Dementia UK to local memory services. Please, reach out if you need help or advice.

Let’s continue to learn, support, and safeguard—together. Until August… in the meantime, don’t forget to use a sun cream if your out and about.

Darren Minton
Safeguarding Business Manager
Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board and Bradford District Safeguarding Children Partnership