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Dementia and dementia care Dementia affects an estimated 850,000 people in the UK today – this number is set to rise to one million by 2021. The term ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss, mood changes and problems with communicating and reasoning.
The symptoms of dementia occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia; other types include: vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. The condition has a wide impact, affecting not only the person who is living with it, but families, friends and carers too.
Spotting the signs
Dementia and dementia care Residential dementia care checklist
In the first instance, spotting the signs of dementia isn’t always clear cut. Memory lapses happen to most people from time to time – forgetting a name, popping upstairs and forgetting what you went for or struggling to find the right word. This could be down to stress, depression, certain physical illnesses, or medication, but sometimes memory loss can be an early sign of dementia. Talking about dementia can seem frightening, but seeking help early offers the best chance of getting the right support, advice and treatment. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and when memory and thinking problems begin to affect day-to-day activities; it’s time to visit the GP. The GP will talk about any concerns and arrange further investigations. They
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may make a referral to a local memory clinic or hospital specialist where further assessments will be performed and a formal diagnosis can be made. Having a dementia diagnosis can be a huge shock but information and support is available, which allows many people who have the condition to continue to lead fulfilling lives.
“Talking about dementia can seem frightening, but seeking help early offers the best chance of getting the right support.” Key signs and symptoms to look out for in your relative include: • Struggling to remember recent events, although they can easily recall things that happened a long time ago. • Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV. • Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects. • Regularly losing the thread of what they are saying. • Leaving objects in unusual places.
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