If you or a loved one are experiencing signs and symptoms of dementia, you might be feeling scared, uncertain about the future and unsure where to turn to for help. We’ve pulled together a summary of the information out there to help you to understand what dementia is, what to do if you think you or someone you love might have it, and where to go for further support and information.
If you would like to find out which of our homes and branches offer care for those living with dementia, our Care Solutions Advisors are on hand to help. You can call them Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 01206 646646, email [email protected], or submit an enquiry via our contact page.
What is dementia?
Dementia is not an illness itself but a collective term for a group of symptoms that affect the parts of the brain that allow us to think, remember and communicate.
Dementia affects around 1 million people in the UK and can cause impairments in memory, ability to carry out everyday activities and general mental functioning as well as changes to personality and behaviour.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms depend on which illness is causing the dementia, but these are some of the most common ones:
- Memory loss
- Problems with speech
- Confusion
- Struggling to follow things
- Mood and personality changes
Not everyone with dementia will experience their symptoms and the progression of the illness in the same way.
Have I got dementia?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between dementia and normal forgetfulness. Many of us will experience memory problems from time to time, like forgetting people’s names or where something has been put, but this is not necessarily a sign of dementia. For people with dementia, forgetfulness along with other symptoms start to impact their day-to-day life.
Dementia-like symptoms can also be caused by medication, infections or another health issue. You should see your doctor if you or your family and friends are concerned about changes in your memory, mental functioning, ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, personality or behaviour.
What are the main types of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. It is caused by a breakdown in the connections between cells in the brain, leading to the death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that over time more and more of the brain becomes damaged, new symptoms develop and existing symptoms get worse. There is currently no cure, but medication can help to slow its progression.
Symptoms are generally mild to start with but become worse over time and interfere with everyday life as the disease progresses.
Somebody with Alzheimer’s disease may experience difficulties with some of the following:
- Remembering recent events or recognising people and objects
- Learning new information
- Following conversations or muddled, repetitive speech
- Seeing things in three dimensions and judging spaces and distances
- Concentrating, organising, planning and following sequences
- Confusion and disorientation
- Reasoning and decision-making
- Everyday tasks such paying bills, cooking and shopping
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Becoming agitated or reacting aggressively
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia. It is caused by cell damage from a lack of blood supply to the brain. This is often due to strokes or ‘mini-strokes’, also called transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
Symptoms are often brought on suddenly and then level off, but they can also appear gradually. They are similar to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease but can vary depending on which areas of the brain have been affected.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), also known as Lewy Body Dementia, is caused by a condition called Lewy Body Disease. Clumps of protein build up in the brain cells, reducing the levels of chemicals that send messages around the brain and breaking the connections between nerve cells. This eventually causes the cells to stop working.
The types of symptoms somebody with DLB may experience vary depending on the areas of the brain affected. They usually affect movement and motor control, such as problems with:
- Balance and being prone to falls
- Shaking or trembling
- Swallowing
- Walking
Somebody with DLB may also experience confusion, nightmares and hallucinations.
Frontotemporal Dementia
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is sometimes called frontal lobe dementia or Pick’s disease. It affects the part of the brain responsible for behaviour, learning, personality, and emotions. It is one of the less common forms of dementia and is more common in people aged 45-65.
There are broadly two main types of FTD:
- Behavioural variant FTD is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for processing information, controlling emotions, planning, problem solving and focusing on tasks. The first noticeable symptoms in somebody with this type of dementia are usually changes in their behaviour and personality.
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) affects the part of the brain responsible for storing the meaning of words and names of objects and the part responsible for recognising familiar faces and objects. The first noticeable symptoms in somebody with PPA are usually difficulties with language and communication.
FTD is progressive, so symptoms may appear mild to begin with but worsen over time as the disease progresses.
Other types and causes of dementia
There are other less common causes of dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. A person can also experience two types of dementia at the same time. This is called ‘mixed dementia.’ While dementia is usually associated with older people, it can also affect those under the age of 65. This is called young onset dementia.
How does dementia progress?
Dementia symptoms may be mild to start with but will usually get worse. The speed of progression and the level of support that somebody may need to carry out day-to-day activities will be different from person to person.
Thinking of the progression of dementia in the following three broad stages can help with the planning of support:
- Early stage – In the early stages of dementia, a person usually has fewer symptoms which tend to be mild or relatively minor. This is because only a small part of the brain has been damaged, so the first symptoms will just relate to that part of the brain. The symptoms will vary more between the different types of dementia because each type affects a different area of the brain.
- Middle stage – This is usually the longest stage of dementia. Symptoms become more noticeable, and a person may require more support in carrying out their daily activities. They may struggle to control their emotions due to their loss of independence, because they have misinterpreted something, or because they are frustrated that they can’t communicate their needs and wishes.
- Late stage – This is when dementia will have a severe impact on most aspects of a person’s life. They will eventually need full time care and be unable to undertake tasks like eating, washing and dressing on their own.
There is no way to know how quickly somebody’s dementia will progress. Some people may be able to remain independent for years whereas others may need support much sooner.
How is dementia diagnosed?
If someone has symptoms of dementia, it is important to see a GP as soon as possible. There are many treatable conditions that have similar symptoms to dementia, and it is important to rule these out.
A GP will usually ask questions about their medical and family history, concentration, memory, and mood. They may request investigations like blood tests, MRI or CT scans or X-rays. They may also make a referral to a memory clinic or specialist for further investigation.
How is dementia treated?
There is currently no cure for dementia, however, there are treatments that can lessen the symptoms. These include medication and talking therapies, such as counselling, psychotherapy, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Some people also benefit from alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, CDB oil, light therapy, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
What additional support and information is available?
- Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 3456
- Dementia UK’s Dementia Helpline: 0800 888 6678
- Alzheimer’s Society website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
- Dementia UK website: www.dementiauk.org
- NHS dementia guide: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia
- Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/dementia/
- Alzheimer’s Research UK: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
Get in touch
If you need help looking after a loved one with dementia, call us on 01206 646646 for a chat about how we can help.
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