5 things you should know about dementia
US
5 things you should know about dementia
Dementia is a complex condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s not a single disease but a term that covers various disorders impacting how the brain works. Here are five essential things to know about dementia:
Dementia is more than just memory loss
While memory loss is one of the most well-known signs of dementia, it’s not the only one. Dementia can affect various mental abilities, such as:
- Language and communication: people with dementia may struggle to find the right words or follow conversations.
- Concentration: it can become hard to focus on tasks that require sustained attention.
- Reasoning and judgment: making decisions or understanding abstract ideas can be challenging.
- Visual perception: recognising familiar faces or navigating spaces may become difficult.
These symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of dementia. For example, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form, usually starts with subtle memory problems but eventually affects other cognitive functions.
Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
There are several types of dementia, each with different causes and characteristics. In different types of dementia there is damage to different parts of the brain.
- Alzheimer’s disease: alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is caused by a build-up of proteins in the brain which affect how the brain cells transmit messages.
- Vascular dementia: vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It is caused by problems in the blood supply to the brain due to damaged or diseased blood vessels, a stroke, or ‘mini strokes’ called transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).
- Lewy body dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies is the third most common disease. characterised by abnormal protein deposits (called Lewy bodies) in the brain. These Lewy bodies can build up in many parts of the brain but particularly in the areas responsible for thought, movement and memory.
- Frontotemporal dementia: affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, resulting in personality and behaviour changes, and language difficulties.
- Mixed dementia: some people have a combination of types, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing
Getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing dementia including genetics, health conditions, lifestyle choices, education and mental stimulation.
Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, mental activities, and managing heart health. Social engagement and lifelong learning also help keep the brain healthy.
Diagnosing dementia is important
Knowing if someone has dementia and what type they have helps them get the right support, treatment, and plan for the future. It also makes it easier to figure out how to live well with dementia.
This could mean picking up new hobbies, joining a support group, or getting involved in research. This may also mean you get access to medicines to help you manage your symptoms.
Living well with dementia is possible
Although there is currently no cure for dementia, scientists and researchers are working hard to find one.
In the meantime, there are treatments and support available to help manage symptoms and daily life. These resources enable people with dementia to live active, fulfilling lives, continuing to do the things that matter most to them.
Dementia is a multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Support for both individuals with dementia and their carers is crucial in navigating the challenges it presents. While there is no cure, ongoing research and support offer hope for improved quality of life for those affected by dementia.
Dementia care at St Monica Trust
We all have things that make us uniquely ‘us’ and that doesn’t change with a diagnosis of dementia. As part of our specialist dementia care in Bristol and North Somerset our teams are trained to support you and your family to have the best experience you can each day, wherever you are on your journey.
Dementia care is available in all four of our specially designed care homes in Bristol and North Somerset:
Garden House care home – provides residential and nursing dementia care
Charterhouse care home – provides nursing dementia care
John Wills House care home – provides residential dementia care
Russets and Sherwood care home - provides nursing dementia care
Our specialist team spend time getting to know our residents as valued individuals so that we can offer tailored support to help you get the most out of life. There’s a varied programme of accessible activities to pick and choose from, excellent food on offer and plenty of good company. If you need a little help getting mobile our on-site therapists are on hand, meanwhile our pastoral care team are available to support you in your spiritual life, if that’s something you would like.
FIND OUT MOREGallery
Find out more about St Monica Trust care homes
Our care homes in Bristol and North Somerset have been purposefully built to cater to the specific needs of older people with dementia. Our admissions team will be happy to give you more information about our care homes and guide you through the whole selection process. Please browse our care homes pages for more information or call us on 0117 919 4263 to book a tour or just to find out more.
