Living With Dementia
Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, finds out about this complex condition.
IF you know someone who is experiencing concentration problems or changes in short-term memory and in everyday living abilities, they could be living with dementia.
There are an estimated 944,000 people in the UK living with dementia. One in 14 people over sixty-five has the condition.
There are over 200 different types of dementia, although Alzheimer’s is the most common, making up around 60% of diagnoses in the UK.
Caroline Scates, deputy director of Admiral Nurse Development, Dementia UK, explains.
“Alzheimer’s disease differs from some other types of dementia in the way it affects the function and structure of the brain due to shrinkage and changes to the ways in which brain chemicals behave.
“Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are usually mild at the beginning and gradually worsen over time.”
Research suggests up to one in three cases of dementia are preventable.
“Diabetes and high blood pressure are both risk factors, as well as drinking, lack of exercise, obesity, poor physical health, smoking and a lack of mental stimulation,” Caroline says.
“So things like socialising, engaging in activities that stimulate thought and having hobbies can help prevent or delay cognitive decline.”
If someone is showing possible signs of dementia, consult your GP as soon as possible so they can rule out other conditions. The GP may refer them to a specialist in a memory clinic or a hospital for further tests.
“The specialist may assess cognitive abilities using tests of attention, verbal fluency and language, as well as visual and spatial abilities.
“It’s a good idea for a friend or relative who knows the person well to go with them to share any information that may be useful.”
Though there is no cure for dementia, receiving a diagnosis early on can enable a person to plan for their future and seek support.
“Everyone experiences dementia differently,” Caroline says. “It’s important to keep in touch with people and engage in social activities if possible.”
Music can be a powerful way to connect with people with dementia.
Caroline suggests playing the person a piece of music played at their wedding, a favourite teenage song or even a lullaby sung to them when they were a child.
“Music can provide a source of connection and comfort,” she says.
It’s important the person with dementia has sufficient support particularly at mealtimes to ensure they consume food and drink safely and that they are getting enough nutrition.
Dementia UK provides support for families through their Admiral Nurses.
If you need advice or support around dementia, visit dementiauk. org/get-support for resources or call the Helpline on 0800 888 6678. ■