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