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Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s a term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills. It is called dementia if the decline is severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia. Some of these are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.
Dementia affects around 850,000 people in the UK. It usually occurs in people aged over 65, but it’s not a natural part of ageing. Dementia need not stop you living a full and fulfilling life. Many people with dementia continue to work, have hobbies and socialise.
Further information about types of dementia is available from the Alzheimer’s Society. Call 0333 150 3456 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk (select ‘About dementia’ then ‘Types of dementia’).
Dementia symptoms
Dementia is often associated with memory loss, but different types of dementia can have a variety of symptoms. These are some of the possible symptoms of dementia: • Memory loss. • Difficulty with tasks that need organisation and planning. • Becoming confused about place or time, particularly in unfamiliar environments. • Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations.
• Changes in personality and mood. • Difficulty judging distance or seeing objects differently to how they are. • Hallucinations and delusions.
• Muscle wasting, changes to balance and posture or difficulty in physical movement. You can find more information about the symptoms of each type of dementia on the NHS website. Visit www.nhs.uk (search ‘dementia’).
The Alzheimer’s Research UK website has a helpful visual diagram that allows you to tour the brain. You can find out how dementia can affect different areas of the brain. Visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org (search ‘brain tour’).
If you are worried about memory loss
It is important to know that there are many reasons for memory loss apart from dementia. Many of us become more forgetful as we get older and need a bit longer to remember things. For most people, these changes will be the result of normal ageing and won’t be down to dementia. Stress, tiredness, illness and some medication can also affect your memory.
If you are concerned about memory loss, you should visit your GP. Dementia is a progressive disease; the symptoms get worse over time. It is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. You may be able to get treatment to slow down the progress of the disease. This will also allow you more time to plan for the future and to access support to help you live well with the condition.
Your GP may want to refer you on for further tests. This referral could be to a community mental health team made up of several different specialists. They may carry out a scan or more in-depth memory tests. If you are diagnosed with dementia, they will be able to plan your care with you. This could include medication, memory courses and signposting to other services. Your GP will also be informed about your assessment and will then carry out a yearly review with you.
If you are worried that someone you know may have dementia, the NHS and Alzheimer’s Society have tips for starting a conversation with them about your concerns. Visit www.nhs.uk (search ‘worried someone has dementia?’) or www.alzheimers.org.uk (search ‘concerned about someone else’).
There may be equipment (particularly care technology such as GPS trackers and memory aids) which may help you with memory loss. See the information beginning on page 30.
If you have been diagnosed with dementia
If you, or a friend or relative, have recently been diagnosed with dementia, you may be feeling scared, anxious or sad. There is currently no ‘cure’ for dementia but there are several treatments available that could help. Call 0300 111 5111 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org and search ‘treatments for dementia’.
It is important to know that many people who have the condition lead active, fulfilling lives.
Volunteering in the community to support people living with dementia
Anyone who is keen to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia can get involved with the work of Dementia Friendly Hampshire. Call 07388 668332 or visit
www.dementiafriendlyhampshire.org.uk
You could also learn more about dementia and become a Dementia Friend. Dementia Friends help people living with dementia by taking actions – both big and small. These actions don’t have to be timeconsuming. From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in a shop queue, every action counts.
Dementia Friends can also get involved with things like volunteering, campaigning or wearing a badge to raise awareness.
For more information, visit
www.dementiafriends.org.uk Alzheimer’s Society
Offers a telephone support line and online advice. It also has an online discussion forum, Talking Point, for anyone affected by dementia. Tel: 0333 150 3456 Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Council Tax and dementia
Some people affected by dementia are eligible for a discount on their Council Tax bill. Contact your local council for more information or read the fact sheet about this from the Alzheimer’s Society website. Tel: 0333 150 3456 Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk (search ‘Council Tax and dementia’).
Connect to Support Hampshire’s Community Directory
Local and national support available for people living with dementia. Web: www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/ directories (select ‘Choose your category’ then ‘Specific needs’ and ‘Dementia’).
Dementia Friendly Hampshire
Produced by this Guide’s publisher, Care Choices, Dementia Friendly Hampshire offers a practical guide to living with dementia. Available to read online or in hard copy format. Tel: 01223 207770 Web: www.carechoices.co.uk/publication-type/
dementia-guides
Hampshire Carer Support and Dementia Advice Service
Available to residents living in the Hampshire
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