GUIDE: Dementia? Your Questions Answered

Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence among older adults. It has a significant impact on the lives of not just the person diagnosed with dementia but also their family, friends, and caregivers.

Sadly, while there is currently no cure for dementia, there is groundbreaking research being carried out that has led to breakthrough treatments and therapies that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of those people living with the condition

MUCH OF THIS RESEARCH IS FUNDED BY DONATIONS TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities. It is a progressive condition and common symptoms of dementia include increased difficulty with language and problem-solving, as well as changes in mood and behavior

Dementia affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 47 million people living with dementia in 2015 and this number is projected to triple by 2050

THIS IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM – IT’S HERE …… AND IT’S NOW

In the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that there are over 850,000 people currently living with dementia and this number is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. In other words, all Alzheimer’s disease is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits called plaques and tangles in the brain. These deposits cause damage to nerve cells, which leads to the death of brain cells and a decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of all cases

Dementia, on the other hand, is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, but also by other diseases such as Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Huntington’s disease which are all different forms of dementia

Symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can overlap, but they can also be different. For example, memory loss is a common symptom of both, but people with Alzheimer’s disease may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as becoming agitated or paranoid, while people with other types of dementia may experience symptoms such as difficulty with coordination and balance

Can Dementia cause death?

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects cognitive function and therefore, daily activities, while it does not directly cause death, it can lead to other health complications that can be fatal

As dementia progresses, it can cause a decline in physical function, making it more difficult for a person to perform what were previously routine tasks. Daily activities such as bathing, eating and simply moving around and having confidence in your orientation. Much of this decline can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and infections such as pneumonia

Dementia, the brain’s decline, and living in this new world can also cause mood and behavior changes, such as depression and agitation, and can lead to an increased risk of falls and accidents

In some cases, people with advanced dementia may lose the ability to communicate or recognize loved ones, which leads to feelings of isolation and despair. This can take a toll on a person’s emotional well-being and can lead to a desire to give up on life.

DISCLAIMER: It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with dementia is different and the progression of the disease can vary from person to person. It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to manage symptoms and complications and to provide emotional and physical support for the person with dementia and their family

How can we help a Dementia sufferer?

There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people living with the condition. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Understand the condition: Educate yourself about dementia and the specific type that the person you are caring for has. There is lot of guidance out there from institutions and charities and many good ones can be found in the footer of our website
   
2. Communicate effectively: People with dementia may have difficulty with language, so it’s important to use simple language and speak clearly. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a yes or no, and instead, try to use open-ended questions
   
3. Create a safe environment: Make sure the person’s home is safe, with no tripping hazards and the home is easy to navigate. Keep familiar items in recognizable locations, such as a favorite chair or a picture of a loved one
   
4. Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve physical function and retain strength and mobility to reduce the risk of falls
   
5. Stimulate the mind: Encourage the person to engage in activities that stimulate the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or listening to music
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6. Provide social interaction: People with dementia may become isolated, so encourage them to socialize with family and friends and participate in activities that interest them to keep them engaged
   
7. Seek professional help: There are healthcare professionals such as Geriatricians, Geriatric psychiatrists, and Dementia specialist nurses that can help provide additional support and guidance
   
8. Take care of yourself: Caring for someone with dementia can be stressful, so make sure to take care of yourself and seek support from friends and family. This doesn’t just mean feeding yourself or having a shower. While a loved one is suffering it is hard to watch, though no good will come from punishing yourself or riding down that whirlpool into the abyss. Don’t feel guilty about enjoying an activity or visiting somewhere and taking some time out
   REMEMBER: If you’re in a better condition, you’re going to be a much better help!

It’s important to remember that every person with dementia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to be patient, kind, and to understand that dementia is a progressive and sometimes seemingly aggressive degenerative disease. A person’s ability to understand and communicate may change over time or certain aspects, seemingly a lot quicker

What are the 10 warning signs of Dementia?

1. Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations is one of the most common early signs of dementia.
   
2. Difficulty with problem-solving: People with dementia may have trouble with routine tasks and decision-making.
   
3. Confusion: Dementia can cause confusion, disorientation, and a loss of sense of time and place.
   
4. Language problems: People with dementia may have difficulty with language, such as trouble finding the right words or difficulty understanding spoken or written language.
   
5. Disinterest in favorite activities: People with dementia may lose interest in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
   
6. Changes in mood and behavior: Dementia can cause changes in mood and behavior, such as depression, anxiety, agitation, or paranoia
   
7. Impaired judgment: People with dementia may have trouble with judgement and decision-making, such as forgetting to pay bills or leaving a stove on
   
8. Difficulty with coordination and balance: Dementia can affect coordination and balance, making it more difficult to walk or perform other physical tasks
   
9. Misplacing things: People with dementia may misplace objects or forget where they have put them.
   
10. Loss of initiative: People with dementia may become passive and less likely to initiate activities or take part in social interactions

DISCLAIMER: It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. A proper diagnosis can only be done by a qualified healthcare professional

To find out more about how you can help us support research, care and advance in Dementia, please contact us or come see us at one of our events – CLICK HERE