Over 900,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, and someone develops the condition every three minutes. As our population ages, conditions that are more likely in old age are becoming increasingly common. According to the Care Quality Commission, research shows that 30% of people aged 65 or over will die with dementia.
The number of people with dementia is increasing because people are living longer. It is estimated by 2030, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million.
Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is also often used to describe a range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive abilities, which include memory loss, impaired thinking, mental sharpness, quickness and difficulty in communicating.
There may also be a decline in language, such as using words incorrectly or having trouble speaking or understanding. Generally, when someone is declining with dementia, they start to miss words out of sentences, every 3rd or 4th word will be missed.
People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities, and may have problems managing their behaviour or emotions. They may also find social situations difficult, lose interest in relationships, socialising, aspects of their personality may change, and they may lose empathy, understanding and compassion.
Different types of Dementia
People often get confused about the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The NHS identifies Alzheimer’s disease as a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and comprises around 60% of diagnosis in the UK
Vascular – This is a step deterioration and blocks the blood going to the brain, this also causes narrowing of the blood vessels (if somebody smokes and has vascular dementia this will narrow the blood vessels even further). Around 17% of people diagnosed with dementia will have vascular dementia. It is the second most common form of dementia in the over 65’s and is caused by problems in blood supply to the brain.
DLB (Dementia with Lewy bodies) – Patients often suffer from hallucinations, hearing voices, also seeing, hearing, or smelling things that are not there.
FTD – Each part of the brain changes in behaviour. Patients often do things that are totally out of character. Frontotemporal dementia refers to a group of dementia’s that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting personality, behaviour, language and speech.FTD – Each part of the brain changes in behaviour. Patients often do things that are totally out of character. Frontotemporal dementia refers to a group of dementia’s that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, impacting personality, behaviour, language and speech.
Identifying Dementia
Identifying dementia early, so that people have the opportunity to consider advance care planning and make meaningful choices at an appropriate time, is particularly important as the person will progressively lose the mental capacity to make decisions about their end-of-life care. There is an ideal pathway for being diagnosed if you suspect dementia.
This may involve:
- investigations by the GP
- specialist assessment, diagnosis
- diagnosis of type of dementia
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences dementia differently and focusing on the things the person can still do and enjoy will help them stay positive. They are still the same person, even though they may have problems with memory, planning and concentration.
With the right help and support when it is needed, many people can, and do, live well with dementia for several years. Eating healthily and being physically active can help to improve the symptoms of dementia and boost the person’s wellbeing.
It’s important to keep in touch with people and engage in social activities, such as going to the theatre or cinema, or being part of a walking group or choir, is good for confidence and mental well-being. Many communities are now dementia-friendly. For example, cinemas put on dementia-friendly screenings of the latest films, and leisure centres run dementia-friendly swimming sessions as well as other activities.
Compiling a ‘life story’ is a good way to record information about the person with dementia, including personal details, information about their past, likes and dislikes, important people in their life, and so on. This can prompt reminiscence and help health and social care professionals learn more about them.
Help and Support for people with dementia
A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved.
Following a diagnosis, there are several care plan options and support available. Click on this link to the NHS website to read about the sources of help and support available for people with dementia: NHS UK
Each person with dementia is unique and has their own set of strengths and limitations. Person Centred Care involves understanding the person’s history, interests and relationships and incorporating these into their care plan. It also involves the person with dementia in decisions about their own care, such as what they eat, when they go to bed, and what activities they participate in. By working together to provide comprehensive care, we can help to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families.
If you wish to speak to one of our qualified team for advice regarding dementia, to discuss details of our support and care packages, then please get in touch either by email: [email protected] or call on 01732 790001