Dementia UK highlights key signs of dementia ahead of free clinics in Northern Ireland

Specialist dementia nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, will support families living with dementia in Northern Ireland

Dementia UK’s specialist Admiral Nurses are set to return to Northern Ireland this September, offering free face-to-face dementia clinics at Nationwide branches in Ballymena, Bangor, Glengormley and Omagh.

The clinics, delivered in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, provide tailored support for families and individuals affected by dementia. Appointments are confidential and can be booked through Dementia UK’s website.

The initiative is part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme, which tackles major social challenges including family poverty, youth homelessness, dementia and cancer. So far, more than 30,000 people across the UK have received support from the dementia clinic scheme, which has now been running for over a year.

Recognising the signs of dementia

Ahead of the clinics, Dementia UK has highlighted the importance of recognising common symptoms of dementia, which do not always begin with memory loss.

According to the charity, symptoms can vary between individuals but often include:

• Memory problems – increasing forgetfulness, difficulty retaining information, or becoming lost in once-familiar places.

• Changes in cognitive ability – such as difficulties with decision-making, loss of interest in hobbies, and problems understanding time or place.

• Communication issues – including struggling to find the right words, rambling or confused speech, or using incorrect names.

• Behavioural and personality changes – such as agitation, impatience, inappropriate actions, or restlessness.

Dementia UK stresses the importance of booking an appointment with a GP if someone is worried about symptoms. While seeking a diagnosis can be difficult, families are encouraged to seek support and not face the process alone.

Expert voices

Sarah Cooper, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said:

“We’re looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia in the area.

“Our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, has now been running for over a year which has enabled us to reach thousands of people across the country who need the support of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.”

Charlotte Kensett, Director of Customer Experience and Social Impact for Nationwide, added:

“Dementia impacts millions of families and that’s why we’re incredibly proud to have brought life-changing support into 200 of our branches and helped more than 30,000 people through our partnership with Dementia UK.

“As a mutual we believe we have a role to play in strengthening the communities we serve and supporting those most in need. Through our social impact strategy, Nationwide Fairer Futures, we’re committed to changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”

Northern Ireland clinic dates

The dementia clinics will take place at the following Nationwide branches:

• Ballymena – 70 Wellington Street, BT43 6AF

  2nd–4th September

• Bangor – 76 Main Street, BT20 5AE

  9th–11th September

• Glengormley – 310 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5FJ

  23rd–25th September

• Omagh – 20 High Street, BT78 1BQ

  30th September–2nd October

Appointments are free, confidential and available to anyone impacted by dementia. Bookings can be made online via Dementia UK: Dementia UK Admiral Nurse Clinics.