When a loved one is affected by dementia, it can be an uncertain and emotional time. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the condition can help make it seem less overwhelming and will better position you to provide the right support.
Swarthmore Care Home has created this informative guide to help you learn more about dementia, including its different types, symptoms, causes, and more, so you can feel better prepared and more confident in supporting your loved one.
Please note: This article is intended as a general guide to dementia. This information is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your health or the health of a loved one, always consult a doctor.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term to describe a group of symptoms rather than a single disease. It is caused by numerous diseases that damage the brain. These diseases are caused by abnormal brain changes, and the symptoms trigger a decline in cognitive abilities (or thinking skills), severe enough to interfere with daily life. The risk of dementia increases as we get older, but it is not a normal part of ageing.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are various medications and non-medical treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms and potentially decelerate the progression of the condition. It is recommended that you speak to a doctor to determine the right care option for your loved one’s individual circumstances.
Types of Dementia and Their Causes
There are many different types of dementia, and it affects each individual differently, but the vast majority of people living with the condition have one of four main types.
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
This is the most common type, and the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests it may contribute to 60% – 70% of cases. It is believed to be caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. The first signs of Alzheimer’s for most people are problems with thinking, memory, language, or perception.
2. Vascular Dementia
This is the second most common type and is caused by decreased blood flow to the brain, damaging and eventually killing brain cells. Preliminary signs of vascular dementia include problems with making decisions, solving problems, and organising.
3. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
This type develops when clumps of protein, known as Lewy bodies, build up inside brain cells. Symptoms of DBL include issues with movement and sleep, difficulties staying focused, and experiencing delusions.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Formerly known as Pick’s disease, frontotemporal dementia is caused by clumps of abnormal protein building up inside brain cells, damaging them and preventing them from working properly. For this type, the proteins predominantly form in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Common symptoms of FTD include personality changes and problems with language.
Note: The term ‘mixed dementia’ is used when a person experiences symptoms of more than one type of dementia.
Common Symptoms of Dementia
While we have touched upon some specific symptoms for each of the four main dementia types, below is a general list of common symptoms and early signs of dementia. Dementia is progressive, meaning that the symptoms may be fairly mild at first, but they worsen over time.
- Memory loss, particularly when trying to recall recent events.
- Confusion over times or places, such as forgetting the date or being confused about where they are.
- Mood shifts or problems controlling emotions, for instance, becoming uncommonly irritable, anxious, frightened, or upset.
- Problems with planning, organising, or concentrating, such as trouble following the steps in a recipe.
- Difficulties with language and communication, such as problems finding the appropriate word to use or issues following a conversation.
- Misperceptions and misidentifications, such as struggling to judge distances or mistaking objects for something else (such as mistaking a coat stand for a person). In some cases, the person may experience:
- Delusions: believing things that are not true.
- Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that are not actually there.
It is important to be aware that just because a person displays one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that they have dementia. Numerous conditions can cause symptoms of cognitive impairment that are not dementia. Some of these conditions are even reversible, such as vitamin deficiencies and thyroid issues.
For this reason, it is essential that you consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause of any symptoms your loved one has. Even if the symptoms seem to point to dementia, an early diagnosis gives you and your loved one more time to explore the various care options, access the appropriate support, and make informed choices about their future.
What Can Increase the Risk of Dementia?
It is not always obvious what causes some people to get dementia. It can depend on a combination of factors, including age, lifestyle, genes, and other health conditions. The majority of dementia types are not inherited from a parent to a child; this is fairly rare.
There are certain factors that may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, such as:
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Hearing loss
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Social isolation
- Severe head injuries
- Depression
- Sleep disorders.
While some factors are unpreventable, such as family history, embracing an active and healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, may help reduce the risk of dementia development.
Dementia Diagnosis
If you are concerned that a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, it’s important to speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. An early diagnosis can help rule out other causes for the symptoms, provide clarity, and ensure the right care and support are discussed and put in place.
There is no single test for dementia, but common assessments include in-depth discussions about medical history, cognitive tests to assess memory and thinking skills, and sometimes brain scans or blood tests.
Residential Dementia Care at Swarthmore
Living with dementia can be challenging, and the right environment and support can make a significant difference. At Swarthmore Care Home, we provide person-centred care as part of our services, delivering a friendly and safe place where residents can feel valued, respected, and understood.
Our approach involves taking time to gain a deep understanding of each resident, including their history, preferences, and interests, so we can better tailor our care to their needs as well as foster deep connections.
We also offer a range of fun activities, designed to stimulate cognitive function, support a healthy lifestyle, and provide a sense of belonging. These include:
- Puzzles and games to help stimulate the brain.
- Looking through family albums to help trigger memories and tell personal stories.
- Spending time outdoors, such as walking through our beautiful gardens, which is fantastic for both physical and mental well-being.
- Playing music, which again can help trigger memories as well as encourage gentle exercise.
At Swarthmore, we strive to create an environment where residents feel comfortable, dignified, happy, and, most importantly, at home.
If you would like to find out more about the dementia care we provide at Swarthmore Care Home in Buckinghamshire, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is always happy to answer your questions and provide any information you need.
