Dementia sufferers ‘can sustain’ their quality of life

THREE in four people with mild to moderate dementia maintain their quality of life for at least two years after a diagnosis, research suggests.

The study by Exeter University tracked more than 1,500 elderly people with the condition, assessing their psychological health, optimism and levels of social contact.

Charities said the finding offered hope for those affected by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, and suggested that maintaining social connections is key to a good quality of life after a diagnosis. Researchers found that despite declining cognitive function, 75 per cent of participants maintained a good quality of life for at least two years. Where a decline was seen, participants were more likely to suffer from depression or loneliness, the research found.

The study involved 1,545 people with dementia, recruited from memory clinics and specialist services across the UK. All had a diagnosis of mild to moderate disease at the start of the trial, with an average age of 76.

Participants had an average of three home visits by trained researchers over two years, who asked them about their mood, relationships and daily activities. Overall, 74.9 percent of participants were classed as stable, with little change in their quality of life, while 13.7 percent were classed as “stable/lower” - meaning scores dropped slightly.

Researchers said the latter group were more likely to live alone, to be socially isolated, and have other health problems. However, no difference was seen in the cognitive abilities of the two groups. In addition, 7.6 per cent of participants were classed as suffering a decline in quality of life.

These people were more likely to suffer rare types of dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Low or declining quality of life was associated with loneliness, poor physical and mental health, and low self-esteem.

The research found 3.8 per cent of participants were classed as having seen an improvement in their quality of life. However, this group was found to have had lower levels of cognition, on average, at the start of the study.

Researchers said the boost in quality of life may have reflected the fact such patients received more support, because of declining cognitive ability, or “became more accepting of limitations over time”. Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said the findings offered hope that anyone affected by dementia “can have a good quality of life after a diagnosis” but emphasised the importance of detecting the disease as early as possible.

Dr Oakley said: “Getting a timely dementia diagnosis is crucial to managing symptoms, accessing treatment and support and preventing people ending up in crisis – while it can be daunting, it is better to know.”

The charity urged anyone worried for themselves or a loved one to come to Alzheimer’s Society for support.