Dementia

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an on-going decline of the brain and its abilities which causes a progressive decline in a number of life skills needed to carry out daily activities.

Dementia is very common. There are about 800,000 people with dementia in the UK

Most people with dementia are aged 65 years or over

There are approximately 42,000 who have been diagnosed with dementia before they were 65 years old.

52% of people living with dementia in the UK do not have a formal diagnosis

People with dementia can present carers with complex problems including aggressive behaviour, restlessness and wandering

61% of people with dementia say they feel lonely

77% say they live in a state of anxiety and depression

The government has identified dementia as a national priority.

The Dementia Strategy

Dementia Strategy was published in 2009 and outlines 3 key steps to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers.

 To Raise awareness and understanding – poor diagnosis rate in UK .

To improve early diagnosis and support – without diagnosis patients unable to access treatment and support

To support people to live well with dementia – provide tailored support which patients and their carers can access

Four most common types of Dementia in UK

Alzheimer's disease -approximately 500,00 sufferers. Short term memory loss is thefirst sign. Gradual decline in abilities

Vascular dementia – caused by problems to blood supply in brain. Decline usually stepwise. Often difficulty with language, speed of thinking and depression .Can do things to prevent this type – modify lifestyle, healthy diet, exercise etc. – all the things that decrease risk of cardiac problems, risk of stroke etc

Fronto-temporal dementia – damage to frontal and temporal lobes of brain, cells shrink and die – brain is smaller on post mortem. Personality changes often picked up first

Dementia with Lewy bodies – affects approximately 10% of Dementia patients. Problems caused by protein deposits in the brain affecting messages getting through. Difficulty walking and with co-ordination, patients often sleepy and have poor concentration, can experience hallucinations

Possible signs and symptoms

•Forgetting names of friends or everyday objects

•Problems following conversations

•Struggling to remember recent events or conversations

•Feeling anxious, suspicious, depressed or angry

•Difficulty undertaking familiar tasks

•Confusion/disorientation in familiar places

•Sundowning

•Rummaging

•Elopement

•Difficulty with reasoning and thinking

•Hallucinations and delusions

References

Barbara's Story courtesy of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Alzheimer's Society- alzheimers.org.uk

Supporting People with dementia and their carers’ In Health and Social Care 2007 -National Institution for Clinical Excellence

Best Practice in Dementia Care- Dementia Centre -Stirling University

Living with Dementia – National Dementia Strategy 2009

Useful numbers and websites

Age UK – 0800 169 6565

Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Royal Voluntary Service 0845 608 0122

Dementia UK 0207 697 4160

Young Dementia UK 01993 776295

Admiral Nursing Direct 0845 257 95406

Alzheimer’s Society 0330 333 0804

Dementia Helpline 0300 222 11 22