Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of disorders caused by abnormal brain changes.
The decline of cognitive functioning can have a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to think, feel, remember, and reason.
The damage caused to the brain cells interferes with ability for the cells to be able to communicate with each other.
When brain cells can no longer communicate properly this can lead to changes in a person’s sense, behaviours and feelings.
To learn more about behaviours and senses, please click here
If you are becoming more concerned over a loved one, then it might be time to encourage them to speak to their GP.
There could be many reasons for a person’s forgetfulness and change in behaviour, it may not be anything related to dementia.
It’s always best to learn more about the early signs and symptoms to be able to have a better chance of getting a diagnosis early.
There is support available and the earlier the diagnoses the more effective the support and potential treatment can be.
Therefore, suggesting a person should speak to their GP earlier in the process can be significant.
To learn more about the early signs and symptoms, please please click here.
Currently, there is no cure for dementia. This is mainly because dementia can be caused by a variety of different factors and, because of this, it is unlikely that a single cure will be able to treat all types of dementia.
An increase in funding has been attributed to dementia research and there has been a substantial increase in studies and clinical trials taking place.
Hopefully in the coming years this research will be able to provide ground-breaking advances in the field of dementia research.
To find out more about the research and funding, please click here.
Just because somebody has dementia it doesn’t mean that they must stop doing the things that they enjoy.
There are a wide range of physical, mental, social and creative activities that will enable a person to live well with dementia and maintain a positive wellbeing. If you care for someone who has dementia, engaging in a shared activity together can make you feel more connected and enhance the quality time spent together.
Dementia can often cause a person to find interest in new things and their tastes may be different from before. If it is safe to do so, it can be helpful to try new activities that the person with dementia may get joy out of.
It is also likely that the person will maintain an interest in the activities that they have always enjoyed, so it is important to facilitate these and ensure that they are safe whilst engaging in their hobbies.
Living with dementia or caring for somebody who has dementia can be very challenging for the people involved. It is important that you are aware of the support available from the NHS and your local council that can help you and your loved ones.
These services can include providing carers to help with washing and dressing, laundry resources, food and drink deliveries, home adaptations and access to day centres.
Various charities such as Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK can also provide support that could be useful to a person with dementia or their carer.
Although this level of support may not be needed at the present time, it can be very helpful to be aware of what is available and plan for any possible future circumstances.
For more information on the services available, please click here.
Dementia can influence all aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships with family and friends.
If you have a relationship with somebody who has been diagnosed with dementia, it is very likely that there will be a significant change to the bond that you share.
Increases in irritability and frustration whilst completing everyday tasks can exacerbate this, as well as difficult accepting the situation becoming an obstacle.
To ensure that the relationship remains strong, it is important that communication is constantly established and that you are aware of how the other person is feeling.
It is possible to tailor your approach to their preference and employ techniques that will make it easier for you to connect. For example, helpful reminders, allowing time to respond, and using open body language.
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences dementia differently, but with the right help and support, relationships can still be positive and engaging.
There are many reasons as to why the behaviours of a person with dementia may change.
Slight behaviour changes related to dementia sometimes can go unnoticed. They can come on gradually and be harder to recognise. However, for some they may come on suddenly.
As the dementia progresses the changes to behaviour will be more noticeable. This can be a difficult aspect of living with dementia.
Not only does the brain changes cause the person to think and feel differently, but also their senses are affected. This could mean that something they once loved could now not be so popular.
To learn more about behaviours and senses, please click here.
