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. 

View the English symptoms checklist

How dementia symptoms affect everyday life

Examples of how dementia symptoms can affect someone's everyday life

Read the English transcript for this video

Specialist BSL screening services

There is a specialist Deaf BSL User Memory Service in London:
Dr Cath Mummery, Consultant Neurologist
Specialist Cognitive Disorders Service, London WC1N 3BG.

Your GP must refer you to a consultant who can directly refer you to the Deaf BSL User Memory Service through the NHS e-Referral Service. Your consultant must state in the referral that you are a Deaf BSL user.

You will meet a psychologist fluent in BSL and a neurologist doctor.

Patients in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will need to secure funding through their local health board before a referral is made. The referral will need to include proof of funding.
 

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.

What causes dementia?

Information covering common questions and concerns that the Deaf community have about dementia, including how to get a diagnosis

Read the English transcript for this video

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

Call the support line Learn more about text relay

Common types of dementia

Watch our videos in BSL with information about some common types of dementia

What is dementia?

Information about dementia, including the symptoms, causes and treatment

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

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

Read the English transcript for this video

Staying as independent and healthy as possible

Tips for anyone affected by dementia on how to look after themselves and stay connected

Read the English transcript for this video

Deaf Community dementia advice

British Deaf Association (BDA) has produced a range of BSL videos, from communication tips, to making your home dementia friendly.

Get advice from BDA
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