Members of our Court of Protection team were delighted to recently attend the Wigginton Brain Health Café, hosted by Dementia Forward , to speak about some of the important legal issues families may need to consider following a dementia diagnosis.

The café provides a welcoming and supportive environment where people living with dementia, carers, family members and professionals can come together to share advice, ask questions and connect with others. Dementia Forward describes its Brain Health Cafés as social spaces designed to offer support, information and practical guidance around living well and maintaining brain health

During the session, Robyn Hawxby and Michelle Cruddas discussed several key legal matters that can become increasingly important after a diagnosis of dementia, including:

• Making or updating a Will
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
• Advance Decisions
• Applications to the Court of Protection

Planning ahead matters

One of the key themes of the discussion was the importance of planning ahead while a person still has the mental capacity to make their own decisions.

A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean someone lacks capacity. Many people are able to make important decisions for a considerable time after diagnosis. However, early planning can provide reassurance and help avoid difficulties later on.

Within this discussion, we spoke about the importance of ensuring a Will accurately reflects a person’s wishes. Having an up-to-date Will can help avoid uncertainty for loved ones and ensure that personal wishes are clearly documented.

Our team also shared why Lasting powers of attorney’s (LPAs) are one of the most important legal documents a person can put in place. They allow trusted individuals to make decisions on someone’s behalf if they later lose capacity. Having these in place early can make managing finances, care arrangements and medical decisions much smoother for families in the future. Michelle also shared that without a valid Enduring or Power of Attorney, someone would need to be appointed by the Court of Protection to act as a ‘Deputy’.   The Deputy has similar duties to an attorney and the Court will consider whether they are suitable to be appointed.

The brain health café was a fantastic opportunity to share support and advice around living well and planning ahead in a welcoming environment. We share our thanks to Dementia Forward for organising the event and welcoming us along.

Looking after your brain health

Alongside the legal discussion, the event also highlighted the importance of taking proactive steps to support brain health.

Research increasingly shows that healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support overall wellbeing. Here are some practical ways people can support their brain health in everyday life:

Prioritise good quality sleep

Sleep gives the brain time to recover and process information. Building a consistent sleep routine and reducing screen time before bed can help improve sleep quality.

Keep learning new things

Trying a new hobby, learning a language, taking up photography or even changing daily routines can help keep the brain stimulated and engaged.

Stay connected with others

Regular social interaction can support emotional wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation. Joining community groups, cafés, walking groups or volunteering opportunities can all help maintain social connections.

Protect your hearing

Hearing health is often overlooked, but untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased dementia risk. Regular hearing checks and using hearing aids where appropriate may help people stay socially engaged.

Look after your physical health

Managing blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, staying hydrated and remaining physically active can all support long-term brain health.

Make time to unwind

Stress management is important for overall wellbeing. Spending time outdoors, practising mindfulness, listening to music or simply taking regular breaks during busy days can all help support mental resilience.

Here for you

Our team thoroughly enjoyed attending the Wigginton Brain Health Café and speaking to attendees about the importance of planning for the future. Events like these play a vital role in helping people access practical information, support and reassurance in a friendly setting.

To learn more about Dementia Forward and its Brain Health Cafés, visit Dementia Forward .