Dementia affects one in 14 people over the age of 65. It is currently estimated that almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK.
We have complied some guidance to help you understand more about it.
Dementia and you
Dementia and you
What should I do if I think a loved one has dementia?
If you believe that a family member or friend is becoming increasingly forgetful, it’s a good time to get a doctor’s appointment. Don’t ignore potential warning signs or wait until there is a crisis.
The symptoms you’ve noticed could just be ordinary age-related changes. Or they might not. It’s important to find out one way or the other, so the appropriate action can be taken.
Book an appointment
Encouraging your loved on to book an appointment with their GP as soon as they can will help rule out other conditions. However, it’s important to note that some patients that are on strong medication may experience similar symptoms to dementia such as memory loss or confusion.
It can be a very tough time for someone who’s experiencing symptoms of dementia, so giving them reassurance and remaining calm throughout is important.
Take notes
It’s also helpful if you prepare for the appointment by detailing everything you’ve noticed about possible behavioural changes – i.e. when you first noticed it, what other medication they may be on, and important lifestyle changes.
What should I do if I think I have dementia?
Your first port of call if you are experiencing symptoms of dementia is to book an appointment with your local GP so that all other conditions can be ruled out. Some patients that are on strong medication may experience similar symptoms to dementia, such as memory loss or confusion, or there may be a physical cause.
Talk to someone
Always confide in a friend or family member, as they may have disregarded certain behavioural changes that could indicate early signs of dementia. Having their support throughout diagnosis is so important.
It can be a scary time if you think you may have dementia, so the key is to act quickly to avoid any undue worry and stress. Don’t wait. The earlier you get proper medical care, the better you’ll feel.
If you’re not satisfied with a doctor’s diagnosis, it’s important to get a second opinion.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
As with many conditions dementia symptoms many vary. The list below includes the most common, but isn’t exhaustive. As with any medical condition, symptoms vary from person to person and it’s best to seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Possible Symptoms of Dementia
Memory loss – This is often one of the first signs of dementia. It can be distressing for both the individual and their family, but it’s important to support the person and help them to retain their confidence and independence through an active life and personalised treatment plans.
Behaviour changes – Behaving out of character is quite common for those living with dementia. This is often due to frustration, and can stem from biological, psychological or social causes
Communicating and language – A person with dementia may sometimes struggle to communicate effectively as they search for the right words or phrases. It’s important to be patient with them and give them the resources needed to communicate in the most suitable way for them.
Angry expressions– More than one third of people living with dementia have at times behaved in an angry manner, particularly in the moderate to severe stages. This can come in the form of either verbal or physical anger. This can be difficult for both the individual and those around them, but remember, this is the dementia and not the person.
Sight and hearing loss – As we know, these are common problems that occur with old age, but they can be more problematic for someone with dementia as they will add to their confusion and difficulty communicating. Sight and hearing loss can make it difficult for healthcare professionals to make a diagnosis, as they ascertain the difference between regular ageing problems and dementia.
Perception and hallucinations – Closely linked to sight problems, people living with dementia can also experience hallucinations. These can be particularly frightening, especially as their perception of the world around them is changing. It’s important to make them feel safe by offering support and reassurance.
Walking about – Although this may seem harmless, it can be dangerous for the individual as they struggle with orientation and could put themselves in a risky situation if they’re not being accompanied. However, walking has a purpose and it’s important to look at why the person might be doing this in order to establish a solution.
Sleep and night-time disturbance – It’s common for people with dementia to have trouble sleeping, and the disturbances may add to their daily confusion. It’s helpful to try and establish as much of a routine as possible by limiting daytime sleeping, setting alarms or avoiding certain food/drink.
Apathy, anxiety and depression – These psychological conditions are also common symptoms of dementia, as they affect a person’s mental and emotional health. It’s important to provide support for the person and give them time to talk about their feelings whilst encouraging them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Managing the symptoms of dementia can be difficult as every person will react differently, but ensuring that the person is treated as an individual will help to overcome some of the symptoms and encourage them to live as much of a fulfilled and regular life as possible.
Seeking a diagnosis for dementia
If you believe that a family member or friend is becoming increasingly forgetful, it’s a good time to get a doctor’s appointment. Don’t ignore potential warning signs or wait until there is a crisis.
The symptoms you’ve noticed could just be ordinary age-related changes. Or they might not. It’s important to find out one way or the other, so the appropriate action can be taken.
Book an Appointment
Encouraging your loved on to book an appointment with their GP as soon as they can will help rule out other conditions. However, it’s important to note that some patients that are on strong medication may experience similar symptoms to dementia such as memory loss or confusion. It can be a very tough time for someone who’s experiencing symptoms of dementia, so giving them reassurance and remaining calm throughout is important.
Take Notes
It’s also helpful if you prepare for the appointment by detailing everything you’ve noticed about possible behavioural changes – i.e. when you first noticed it, what other medication they may be on, and important lifestyle changes.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Dementia can be very difficult to diagnose, especially if symptoms are mild. If someone close to you is experiencing significant memory loss, confusion or showing signs of behavioural changes, it’s best to book an appointment with your local GP for an assessment. This will help to rule out other possible conditions.
Testing for Dementia
There is no single test for dementia. In the first instance, your doctor will organise a blood test to rule out certain causes and check the medication you’re currently taking to ensure this isn’t affecting your behaviour.
A GP will then refer the patient on to a specialist such as a consultant who will have more knowledge and experience of dementia diagnosis.
Patients are likely be given questionnaires to fill in to test their mental abilities and exercise memories. A MMSE assessment may then be used. This consists of a series of questions which can help diagnose dementia, as well as helping to assess its progression and severity. The MMSE tests a number of mental abilities, including memory, attention and language.
Finally, dementia cannot be completely diagnosed without a scan of the brain to rule out other conditions such as brain tumours or head injuries. This is a painless procedure, which involves the patient lying down for a long period of time whilst an image of the brain is captured.
What should I do if I think I may have dementia?
Your first port of call if you are experiencing symptoms of dementia is to book an appointment with your local GP so that all other conditions can be ruled out. Some patients that are on strong medication may experience similar symptoms to dementia, such as memory loss or confusion, or there may be a physical cause.
Talk to Someone
Always confide in a friend or family member, as they may have disregarded certain behavioural changes that could indicate early signs of dementia. Having their support throughout diagnosis is so important.
It can be a scary time if you think you may have dementia, so the key is to act quickly to avoid any undue worry and stress. Don’t wait. The earlier you get proper medical care, the better you’ll feel.
If you’re not satisfied with a doctor’s diagnosis, it’s important to get a second opinion.
What is the best way to explain dementia to a child?
It can be difficult to know how to approach a child who is affected in some way by dementia.
Children, like adults, deal with a loved one who is living with dementia in different ways. A number bottle it up, some attention-seek and others get very upset and need constant support over a long period of time.
Don’t try and hide it
It’s best to be upfront with children from the beginning of a diagnosis, as it may be more upsetting for a child to find out later on. As always, honesty is the best policy. Explaining to a child that the reason their grandparent is acting in an unusual way is part of their illness and not aimed at them is important to stop any further upset.
Give them time
Allowing time for a child to express their feelings about how the diagnosis of a loved one is affecting them is important too. It’s often surprising how much children can pick up, even if things haven’t been explained to them explicitly. It can be useful for them to be given time to open up so you can see how much they understand about what’s happening.
Visiting with children
If you decide to bring children with you to a nursing home where there are others living with dementia, it’s also wise to call ahead and make sure it’s going to be a good day to visit with a child. Calling in when there is an activity taking place or animals visiting the home may be the best time as it could keep their young minds occupied.
How does dementia progress?
The speed at which dementia worsens varies a lot and is largely dependent on the type of dementia the person has. Alzheimer’s disease has the slowest progression on average, but this can vary from person to person.
Experts categorise the progression of dementia into four different stages, from the mildest condition with subtle symptoms, to the most severe.
- MCI (MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT)
Some of those affected by this condition will go on to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. At this stage, people often experience forgetfulness, lose things and have trouble coming up with words or names.
- MILD DEMENTIA
Although most people will be able to function independently with mild dementia, they will experience memory lapses that affect daily life.
- MODERATE DEMENTIA
Those living with moderate dementia will likely need more assistance in their daily lives.
Symptoms include:
– Increased confusion
– Greater memory loss
– Needing assistance with getting dressed, bathing and grooming
– Significant personality and behavioural changes
– Changes to sleeping patterns
- SEVERE DEMENTIA
With more advanced dementia, symptoms include:
– A loss in the ability to communicate
– A need for full-time assistance with tasks, such as eating and getting dressed
– A loss of physical capabilities – walking, sitting, holding one’s head up, the ability to swallow or control of bladder and bowel function
– Increased susceptibility to infections, such as pneumonia
Each person is unique and experiences dementia in their own way. Take a look at some of the other pages in our guide, or get in touch if you need to talk.
What does memory care mean?
While some nursing homes focus on nursing care, memory care specialists offer dementia-specific households and activities tailored to the unique cognitive needs of those living with dementia.
Memory care provides a safe and structured environment with set routines to help lower stress for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Memory care forms a key part of how we support our residents, using a range of specialist memory care techniques.
Can pets help with dementia?
It may not be the first thing you think of, but taking your dog or another pet when visiting a loved one with dementia can be a big help in brightening their day. Pets play a key part in enriching lives on an emotional level, by helping reduce stress levels and aid in mental stimulation.
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
It’s the unconditional love a pet can introduce that no human can compete with which can help evoke a positive response.
The benefits of having a pet around someone living with dementia range from promoting companionship, and reducing anxiety and agitation, to helping to improve interactions and socialisation with others.
MENTAL STIMULATION
The power of touch is important to individuals living with dementia, and dogs and cats in particular help provide sensory stimulation by just being around to stroke or for comfort.
While there are many benefits to having pets around, it’s also important that before any pets are introduced to anyone living with dementia, the environment is assessed to avoid problems or a negative response.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect a person’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, language, and problem-solving skills. It is a progressive and chronic condition that typically occurs in older adults but can also affect younger people.
Dementia is caused by damage to the brain cells, which can be due to a variety of factors such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injury. The symptoms of dementia vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition, but some common signs include:
Memory loss: Difficulty in remembering recent events, names, and conversations.
Communication problems: Difficulty in finding the right words or understanding what others are saying.
Difficulty in completing familiar tasks: Trouble in carrying out daily activities such as dressing, cooking, or washing.
Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, or people.
Mood swings: Changes in personality, such as becoming more agitated, anxious, or withdrawn.
Loss of initiative: Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that were previously enjoyed.
Dementia can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, as well as on their family and caregivers. There is no known cure for dementia, but there are medications and therapies that can help manage the symptoms and slow down its progression.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of dementia. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and improve the quality of life for those affected. Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and social interaction can also help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia in the UK
Dementia care in the UK has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. The government has recognized the increasing prevalence of dementia and has made efforts to improve the quality of care and support for those affected by the condition.
In the UK, there are a variety of services available to support people with dementia and their families, including:
- Memory clinics: Specialized clinics that provide diagnosis, treatment, and support for people with dementia and their families.
- Day centers: These centers offer a range of activities and support for people with dementia, providing respite for their caregivers.
- Home care: Home care services can provide personal care, support with daily living activities, and companionship for people with dementia who prefer to remain in their own homes.
- Residential care: Residential care homes offer accommodation and support for people with dementia who cannot live independently.
- Hospices: Hospices provide end-of-life care for people with advanced dementia, focusing on symptom control and providing emotional and spiritual support for both the person with dementia and their family.
The UK government has also implemented policies and initiatives to improve the quality of dementia care. For example, the National Dementia Strategy, launched in 2009, aimed to improve the quality of dementia care across health and social care services.
Furthermore, the government has invested in research to develop new treatments for dementia and improve our understanding of the condition.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges in providing adequate dementia care in the UK, including a lack of funding and resources, staff shortages, and a lack of public awareness and understanding of dementia.
Overall, dementia care in the UK has improved in recent years, but more needs to be done to ensure that people with dementia receive the care and support they need to live well with the condition.
What are the different types of dementia?
There are several different types of dementia, each with their unique characteristics and causes. Here are some of the most common types of dementia:
Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to degenerate and die, leading to a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, memory loss, and changes in behavior and personality.
Vascular dementia: This type of dementia occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain, leading to a reduction in blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Vascular dementia can cause problems with memory, language, and decision-making.
Lewy body dementia: Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies, which accumulate in the brain. This type of dementia can cause hallucinations, changes in mood and behavior, and problems with movement.
Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is caused by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which can lead to changes in personality and behavior, language problems, and difficulty with executive functions such as decision-making.
Mixed dementia: As the name suggests, mixed dementia is a combination of two or more types of dementia, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: This is a rare form of dementia caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which damage brain cells. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can cause rapid cognitive decline, memory loss, and muscle stiffness.
Huntington’s disease: This is a genetic condition that causes progressive damage to the brain, leading to movement problems, changes in behavior and personality, and dementia.
It’s worth noting that there is some overlap between these types of dementia, and some people may have a combination of symptoms from different types. A proper diagnosis is essential to provide appropriate care and support for individuals with dementia.
Dementia care in our homes
Our care homes provide specialised support for people who are on different stages of their dementia journey. Our promise of ‘excellence as standard’ makes up the fundamentals of the service we provide for residents; ensuring that people living with us can access the highest quality care within stimulating surroundings.
A key element of delivering our person-centred care is captivating memories and unlocking welcoming feelings associated with each resident’s past. Our care teams work hard to ensure that our support is person focused and enables individuals to navigate memory loss in old age.
Working to awaken and rediscover happy memories about previous careers, holidays and occasions is an activity that can involve the whole family. We understand the importance physical surroundings have on a memory journey; and take considerations for nostalgia right from soft furnishings through to the crockery used during mealtimes.
For people living with dementia; retaining their sense of self is so important with the potential threat of losing self-identity which is why many themed areas have been thoughtfully developed to encourage socialising and relaxation amongst residents.
Memory loss with age can have significant impacts on all involved with an individual’s memory loss and we understand that accessing support can be difficult.
Useful links
Our philosophy of care derives from the works of Professor Tom Kitwood, and other people who have developed the philosophy further, you can read about these here:
When Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with early onset dementia she wrote two bestselling books to help us understand how dementia has affected her life and also how people can live well with dementia.
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