Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a large range of progressive neurological conditions and their symptoms. Dementia affects how your brain works, especially the functions of memory, thinking and reason. There are many different types of dementia and some people are diagnosed with more than one type. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia but there are several others.

The risk of having dementia increases as we get older. Dementia usually affects people over the age of 65 but certain dementia types can occur earlier. This is referred to as ‘early onset’ dementia. We don’t yet know why some people experience dementia and other people age with no decline in their cognitive abilities. Scientists believe genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors all play a role.

For further explanations as to what dementia is, please visit the NHS website.

The main cause of dementia is damage to brain cells. The type of dementia you are diagnosed with will determine exactly how this damage is occurring. For example, Alzheimer’s disease develops due to a build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain cells which damage their internal structure.

The type of dementia symptoms you experience depends on the area or areas of the brain that are affected:

The Alzheimer’s Research website features an interactive tour of the brain to help you understand how the brain functions.

For more information on the types of dementia, see the Dementia UK website.

Everyone experiences dementia symptoms differently and many people live fairly independently for several years whilst in the earlier stages of their dementia. As their condition progresses though, symptoms may become much less manageable and eventually quite severe. Often, the person is likely to need full time care and support.

At Healthcare Pro, we offer a huge range of equipment that can help those who are older, or have a health condition, live more independently. Below you’ll find some of our most popular products which can help relieve some of the symptoms of dementia and enable those living with the condition to do more things for themselves – whether at home or when out and about.

We also offer a host of other dementia aids, depending on the dementia symptoms you are experiencing, as well as a large range of equipment to help if you are caring for someone with dementia. If you would like to speak to one of our Occupational Therapists to find if there are any daily living aids that may help you or someone you care for, please email them productadvice@healthcarepro.co.uk or telephone 0345 121 8111.

If you're worried that someone you know is showing symptoms of dementia, it can be quite difficult to raise this with the person. They may not be fully aware that they are showing any of these signs, or they may have noticed too and be fearful of seeking help or advice. Try to broach the subject gently and ask if they have noticed that they are behaving differently. Encourage them to make an appointment and offer to go along with them.

If you are worried about your own memory or any of the dementia symptoms you have read about above, it's a good idea to see your GP. Some of these may be symptoms of other healthcare conditions or even side effects from taking certain medications, and your GP will be able to take some blood tests and give you some mental exercises to find out how likely it is that you have dementia. If they are concerned, you will be referred to a neurologist, an elderly care physician, or a psychiatrist with experience of making a dementia diagnosis.

If you are finding day to day activities, such as getting dressed, using the bathroom or preparing food, more difficult due to your dementia, speak to your GP or your local social care provider. They may be able to arrange for you to have an assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) who can visit you to find out what you need help with, look at ways you can do things differently and recommend equipment that may help you in the home.

Most types of dementia cannot be cured, although research is continuing into developing drugs, vaccines and other medical treatments for dementia.

There are drug treatments for dementia that aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and which may help to slow down the progression of the disease.

If you have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or mixed dementia, there are a number of treatments that your specialist may recommend to you, including prescribed drugs such as donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine. In later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, memantine is often prescribed.

There are a number of other non-drug based treatments that may be recommended to you. These can help you manage the symptoms of dementia and improve your quality of life. Taking part in meaningful activities is enjoyable and leads to increased confidence and self-esteem.

Evidence suggests that eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia. There is currently little evidence to suggest that a special diet can delay the development of dementia in people already diagnosed, but it is advisable to eat a healthy diet which will improve your general health and boost immunity.

As dementia progresses, eating and drinking may become more of a challenge. A person with dementia may change their attitude towards food, for example they may begin disliking foods they used to enjoy.

Some people find eating and drinking becomes difficult due to physical problems with their mobility or coordination. There are dementia aids that can assist with this, for example, easy to grip cutlery, specially designed cups and mugs, and plates with contrasting colours to make them easier to see.

Similarly, depression, oral pain or discomfort, medication, tiredness and using less energy can all decrease the person’s appetite.

Alzheimer’s Society provides a factsheet about eating and drinking with dementia including tips for carers.

Some people take dementia supplements such as vitamins and minerals because they believe these help to reduce some of their symptoms and may have positive effects such as slowing down the progression of the condition. Omega-3 (found in oily fish), B vitamins and folic acid are often taken. There is little clinical evidence to support the use of dementia supplements. Living a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor to help reduce the risk of dementia developing.

Exercise is considered one of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

People in the early or middle-stages of dementia are usually able to find an exercise that suits their abilities or continue doing those that they have always enjoyed. Local community or sports centres often provide a range of organised exercise and physical activity sessions, such as ball games, seated exercises, tai chi, music and dance, indoor bowls or swimming.

Increasing the amount of physical activity carried out during the day all counts as exercise too, for example, walking, gardening and housework.

For more information and advice, read the Alzheimer’s Society factsheet

If you receive a dementia diagnosis, it does not necessarily mean you are unable to work anymore. Many people continue to work for a long time after they are diagnosed. If you are able to carry on working, it may help your wellbeing, mood and cognitive abilities.

You should inform your employer that you have been diagnosed with dementia and of your intention to continue with or leave employment. They have a legal duty not to discriminate and to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you are not disadvantaged in the workplace.

A disability employment adviser (DEA) at a Jobcentre Plus office can advise on speaking to your employer.

Don’t rush into a decision – take time to consider the options and find the right solution for you.

The Alzheimer’s Society offer a helpful advice booklet on dementia and employment

Age UK Caring for Someone with Dementia

Alzheimer Scotland

Online forums are a great way to share your experiences of caring for someone with dementia and meeting people in similar situations.

Age UK are a good source of information and their local offices provide a number of different dementia support services for people with dementia and their carers

Talking Point is the Alzheimer's Society's forum. It has people with dementia sharing their information and advice, and supporting each other

Carers can also turn to online communities on the Carers UK forum and the Carers Trust forum

Dementia Aware Facebook group

Dementia Connect is Alzheimer's Society's comprehensive services directory where you can search for local activities, care, advice and support.

If you are experiencing early onset dementia, Young Dementia UK has a variety of information and support.

UK Care Guide - provides valuable information on the costs of Live in Care and also Respite Care for carers who need to take some time for themselves

AGE UK – helps to inspire and support older people so they can enjoy later life

Alzheimer’s Society – aims to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted

Alzheimer’s Disease International – the global voice on dementia

Carers Trust – a major charity which is for, with and about carers

Dementia Friends – an Alzheimer’s Society initiative to help change people’s perception of dementia

Alzheimer’s Research UK – the world’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure

Dementia Carer – developed with and by family members who look after someone who has dementia

Dementia UK – provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service

NHS Choices – helps to explain health conditions in more detail

Rare Dementia Support – runs specialist support services for individuals living with, or affected by, one of five rare dementia diagnoses

Young Dementia UK – charity that helps people whose lives are affected by young onset dementia