All Saints Church
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is a term that describes a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. There are over 100 different types of dementia caused by various diseases that damage the brain, two of the most common being Alzheimer’s disease
and vascular dementia.
Whilst dementia is more common in older people, it is not a normal part of ageing and can affect anyone.
According to the latest statistics from Alzheimer’s Research UK, there are around 900,000 to 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number will increase to over one million by 2030 and over 1.6 million by 2050. Whilst prevalent in the over 65s, some people develop young or early onset dementia and in the UK, over 17,000 people under the age of 65 have the condition. Indeed, it’s no longer uncommon for people in their 50s to have dementia. The estimated prevalence of young onset dementia is 92 per 100,000 of the general population, with prevalence rates for young onset dementia being higher in black and minority ethnic groups.
A diagnosis of dementia can be devastating, not only to the person concerned, but to their friends and family, too, since the symptoms of dementia are progressive and on an unknown time scale: it could be months or many years before the symptoms become advanced, and can often vary hugely depending not only on the type of dementia the person has but also varying according to each person’s essential character and personality.
There is also a huge misconception that dementia is all about memory loss and that it only happens to old people. It’s not, and it doesn’t…..
Some Symptoms of Dementia
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Memory Loss – problems with short-term memory can often be the first sign of dementia.
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Communication Problems – linked to memory loss, communication problems often arise when a person is unable to recall a particular word or phrase in conversation.
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Changes In Mood – dementia symptoms can have a profound effect on a person's life, which can give rise to varying emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, and depression.
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Physical Changes – the mind controls our bodies and in the later stages of dementia, physical changes become more noticeable. Problems eating and swallowing can develop, causing weight loss.
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Dementia symptoms are progressive – symptoms worsen over time. Advanced symptoms usually mean that a person is unable to look after themselves without assistance.
There’s Good News Too!
Despite the challenges posed by dementia, there are also reasons for hope and optimism. Indeed many people with dementia can live full lives with little or no assistance.
Scientific Advances
Research is advancing our understanding of the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dementia. There are currently over 300 clinical trials and studies on dementia in the UK, aiming to find new ways to improve the lives of people affected by the condition. Indeed, after twenty years with no new drugs, in just twelve months there are now two potential new drugs being trialled for treating early stage Alzheimer’s disease. The most recent of these, Donanemab, has shown to slow the progression of the disease by 36% over 18 months of treatment.
Remember The Person
Each year 'Remember The Person' is the recurring theme for Dementia Awareness Week. In an advanced stage, a person with dementia may not be able to communicate and express themselves, so people are encouraged to 'remember the person' behind the dementia.
Sadly, in some cases where symptoms of dementia have advanced, friends of people with dementia no longer visit them; they want to remember how that person used to be. However, whilst the 'wall of dementia' is in front of them, they should be held in the same regard, and treated in the same manner as they were, before they had the condition. Even at an advanced stage, people with dementia can indicate they are aware of those around them; they are still 'there'. Remember: the person is more than the dementia.
Community Support
Living in the present, keeping active and participating in activities specially designed for those living with dementia is a strategy which helps some people cope with the condition – and certainly can help the carers supporting them.
All across the UK there are many initiatives and organisations that support people with dementia and their carers, such as the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Friends initiative, and the National Dementia Helpline - 0333 150 3456
In Bristol we are very lucky to have a wealth of information, support and activities aimed at those living with dementia and their friends, families and carers. One professional body, unique to Bristol is the Dementia Wellbeing Service, which provides a personalized package of care, tailored to the individual, and includes continuous, one-to-one support local to one’s home and the creation of a personalized wellbeing plan.
Two very valuable sources of information are: