‘Why are my friends changing?’ Explaining dementia to people with learning disabilities

Summary There are many publications that seek to explain the causes and effects of dementia for the non‐learning disabled population and there is evidence of the benefit of supporting carers and of establishing support groups. However, there is much less published material aimed at people with learning disabilities, and little focus on the specific needs of people who share their homes and lives with other people with learning disabilities who develop dementia. This article is based on group work with residents who had expressed bewilderment at the gradual changes they were witnessing in two of their housemates with dementia with whom they had shared a home and friendships over many years. Employing a wide range of visual aids, equipment, role plays and exercises, we sought to make the explanation of dementia as accessible and concrete as possible. The group also provided a forum for the residents to talk about the effects of living with others who develop dementia. Evaluation showed how a relatively short intervention can result in positive changes for both the people with learning disabilities who develop dementia and their peers.