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Dementia Care
Here, we'll keep you up to date on the latest Dementia and Alzheimer's research, and what we can all do to help our loved ones have a peaceful and stress-free experience...
Has your loved one had a diagnosis of Dementia?
Hearing the news that our loved one has received a diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer's can be a scary moment, especially when we didn't see it coming. No one really prepares us for this moment, and it comes with so many questions. Questions like 'what does a diagnosis mean for our loved ones future?' 'How much will they forget, how quickly?' And 'how do we navigate a world where the person we're caring for doesn't remember who we are? Or sometimes, even who they are?'
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We believe the highest quality and most effective care comes from knowledge, experience, and understanding, and so we'll use this space to keep ourselves, our carers, and you up to date with all the latest Dementia and Alzheimer's research, so that together we can provide our loved ones with a peaceful, stress-free and even joy-filled experience.
Things to Remember
The Four R's of Dementia Care
01
Reassure
Our loved ones with Dementia can easily become confused and agitated when they don't recognize their surroundings, friends and family. Spend some time gently reassuring them, letting them know that they are safe, loved and cared for.
02
Reconsider
Considering things from our loved ones perspective allows us to understand the feelings they are experiencing, and can help us to predict their behavior in certain situations. Having this information then helps us to find ways to help our loved ones feel calmer and in control during stressful situations.
03
Redirect
When we redirect our loved ones, we are helping to guide their focus towards something calming and enjoyable when they're experiencing a moment of stress and/or confusion. This may involve taking them into another room, putting on music they like or simply chatting about your day until they feel better.
04
Relax
Caring for a loved one with Dementia can be challenging, but it's important to remember to stay calm. Practicing good self-care, learning deep breathing techniques and reaching out to friends and family when you need support are all things that can help us feel calm and relaxed.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease, but rather an umbrella term that describes a collection of symptoms that occur when brain cells stop functioning properly. These symptoms include a decline in or loss of; memory, language and communication skills, problem-solving skills and other thinking abilities.
Alzheimer’s (the most common cause of Dementia) and other diseases that are grouped under this general term are caused by abnormal brain changes, which trigger a decline in cognitive function. After Alzheimer's, the next most common causes of dementia are Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Other causes include Parkinson's Disease Dementia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy and Primary Progressive Aphasia.
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In many cases, people have more than one disease that causes dementia, and this is called 'mixed dementia'. The most common mixed dementia is Alzheimer's with either Vascular Dementia or Dementia with Lewy bodies.
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In the UK dementia affects over 850,000 people. Most of those diagnosed with dementia are over 65 years old, but over 40,000 people under 65 are diagnosed with early-onset or young-onset dementia, which is most commonly caused by early-onset Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Common Questions
01
Is Dementia just forgetfulness?
Most of us will encounter a decline in our memory and thinking skills as we age, but this shouldn't interfere too much with our everyday lives. For people with Dementia however, these changes in cognitive function can be incredibly disruptive and sometimes cause a lot of emotional stress, confusion and often depression.
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What can I do to reduce my risk of developing dementia?
Doing things that keep our brain healthy will reduce our risk of developing dementia. These include: not smoking, controlling high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, controlling blood glucose, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing your alcohol intake. Staying mentally active by playing brain games, learning new skills and staying connected with friends and family have also proven to have great benefits.
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Is Dementia Genetic?
Most of the time this isn't the case, and our risk of developing dementia is determined by factors such as our lifestyle, age, and whether we carry any risk genes. Researchers have found over twenty different versions of genes associated with Alzheimer's, but many only have a small effect on risk.
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What causes the disease that lead to Dementia?
The exact causes of dementia are still being understood, but research is making great progress every year! Understanding the causes of dementia is essential in developing new treatments. Volunteers, both with and without dementia, taking part in research studies and clinical trials play an important role in helping our understanding of dementia, and testing new potential treatments.
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Dementia Research
If you would like to take part in dementia research studies, join Dementia Research, a UK-wide service that will match you to research studies you are suitable for.
If you would like to read more, visit Join Dementia Research or call the Dementia Research infoline on 03001115111
Mild Cognitive Impairment
It's normal to notice a natural decline in our memory and thinking skills as we get older, but for someone with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), this decline is worse than what we would expect for their age. MCI can be caused by a range of conditions or existing health problems, and the symptoms range from memory and attention issues, to problems with time management and low moods...
As carers for the elderly, we see many people with different types of dementia every day, and we understand how unique each condition is, and the affects a diagnosis can have on the family members. Hearing you or your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be difficult, but with the right support and approach, we believe that every person with a diagnosis can move through their experience with peace of mind, and a sense of independence.
How do we care for a loved one with dementia?
Familiarity and Routine
Keeping a familiar routine provides comfort and stability by giving those with Dementia a sense of what's coming next. Although they may not remember your name or what day it is, they'll likely remember that at 5pm - tea and biscuits are coming! Keep a to-do list or written schedule within their reach so they can check for themselves what's happening next.
Comfort and Safety
Often, people with Dementia may forget to put a blanket over their legs when cold, or to hold the handrail when going upstairs. Make sure to regularly check their environment to make sure it's as safe and comfortable for them as it can be. Remove any cords or rugs they may trip over, make sure their home has good lighting, and if needed, place brightly coloured tape around steps to make them easier to see.
A Sense of Independence
Allow them to do for themselves what they still have the ability to do. Encourage independence by taking a step back, and providing encouragement and verbal support as they complete a small task or activity by themselves. Offer them choices, such as 'would you like lamb or chicken today?' or 'would you like to watch TV for a bit or shall we take a walk in the garden?' to help cultivate a sense of control.
Nutrition and Movement
​It's common for people with Dementia to simply forget to eat and exercise. As a carer, it's up to you to make sure they're getting regular healthy meals and daily movement. There are many foods that support brain health such as berries, leafy greens and fish, as well as supplements and chewable vitamins that can be taken each morning. A simple slow walk around the garden or short trip out to a local coffee shop is a great way to get them moving.
Go Along with it
People with dementia will often see and speak to old friends and family members that aren't really there. Instead of trying to bring them back to our reality by reminding them that 'Uncle George isn't really in the room,' which could quickly cause them to become stressed and confused, try to go along with their new reality by offering Uncle George a cup of tea.
See what they see
When you and I sit down to have lunch or read a magazine, even if we get distracted by our phones or the telly for a few moments, we still have full awareness of where we are and what we're doing. For people with dementia, a momentary distraction can transport them to an entirely different time and place, and even if they notice the food or magazine in front of them, they might not remember it's for them. Little things, like leaving a bookmark at the page they were on or serving a brightly coloured juice instead of a clear glass of water will help draw their attention back to their current activity.
Stay Calm
Watching someone you care about go through their dementia journey is difficult, and there are many times you yourself might feel confused, helpless and even depressed. It's important that during these times we remain calm, and lean on our support system. Our loved ones will be looking to us for reassurance and guidance, and seeing us upset or stressed can cause them even more confusion. For some advice on things you can do as a carer to take care of yourself, check out our blog on Self Care for Carers.
Encourage Joy
Play and joy are important parts of daily life, even for adults! Whether it's a game of dominoes or having a dance to old music, encouraging fun and laughter helps your loved one to feel relaxed, safe and happy.
Support and Information
Having access to support can have a huge, positive impact on someone with dementia. Following a dementia diagnosis, everyone is entitled to an assessment of their needs. Carers are also entitled to their own assessment. Some services are provided by local authorities, and others can be arranged through your doctor.
For advice and information about what support is available near you, you can contact your local services department. For more support and information on the different types of dementia, below we've listed some helpful links...
