Dementia is often thought of as a condition of retirement — but with more people working later in life, and with early-onset dementia affecting people of working age, it is increasingly a workplace issue too. Dementia Action Week is a good moment to reflect on how well our workplaces support those affected.
What is dementia, and how widespread is it?
Dementia is not a single disease but a set of symptoms — including declining memory and thinking ability — caused by conditions that affect the brain, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK live with dementia, and that number is rising as the population ages. Around one in fourteen people over the age of 65 is affected.
What must employers consider?
Dementia can amount to a disability under the Equality Act, bringing a duty to make reasonable adjustments. Yet research has found that employees experiencing cognitive difficulties often do not receive the adjustments they need, and may face poor management and low levels of support from colleagues — sometimes because those around them simply don’t understand what is happening.
Positive steps
Occupational health professionals have an important role to play here. They can advise on both the practical implications — adjustments to tasks, environment and working patterns — and the emotional ones, supporting the individual and helping managers respond with understanding rather than assumption.
A thought to finish
Dementia is a progressive condition, and there will come a point where continuing to work is no longer possible. But for as long as someone retains the capacity to contribute, being supported to keep working can be good for their confidence, identity and mental health. Handled with care and the right advice, employers can make that experience a far more positive one — for the individual and for the whole team.
