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What is Dementia?

Dementia is described as a group of symptoms including memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language and often changes in mood, perception or behaviour. Dementia is progressive, which means that symptoms get worse over time. However, many people living with dementia still lead active and fulfilling lives for many years. At first dementia can feel a little scary, so understanding and supporting those with dementia is critical to help them lead a happy and comfortable life.

What are the early signs of Dementia?

Common symptoms

Dementia can begin in many ways, making it difficult to diagnose. However, there are a variety of common symptoms that occur in the early stages. The NHS website has more, useful information.

NHS Dementia diagnosis information

Dementia can begin in many ways, making it difficult to diagnose. However, there are a variety of common symptoms that occur in the early stages. The NHS website has more, useful information.

Memory Loss

For example, forgetting things that happened recently, problems with recall.

Difficulty concentrating, planning or organising

For example, struggling to make decisions, solve problems or follow a series of steps (such as cooking a meal).

Confusion and misunderstanding

Including problems with language and communication; for example, difficulties finding the right words, struggling to respond appropriately or follow a conversation. Misunderstanding what is being seen; for example, misidentifying things, struggling to judge distance (such as on stairs), and misinterpreting reflections, or hallucinating. Being confused about time or place; for example, losing track of the time or date, or becoming confused about where they are, or what time of their life they are in.

Mood changes or difficulty controlling emotions

For example, becoming unusually anxious, irritable, sad or frightened, losing interest in things and personality changes.

NHS Dementia diagnosis information

Types of Dementia

There are four main types

Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Frontotemporal Dementia

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, it causes brain cells to be surrounded by an abnormal protein and their internal structure also becomes damaged. In time, chemical connections between cells are lost and some cells die. An individual living with Alzheimer’s disease can have lapses in memory, experience difficulties in word finding and have difficulties in understanding what is being said to them.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the result of problems with the blood supply to the brain. Nerve cells need oxygen and nutrients from the blood to survive. Without enough blood, these nerve cells will die. An individual living with Vascular dementia will experience difficulty planning, thinking quickly or concentrating.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Tiny clumps of protein that develop inside nerve cells are called Lewy bodies. Protein in the nerve cells reduces the level of chemical messengers and cause nerve cells to die. An individual with Lewy Body dementia may have difficulty with planning ahead, reasoning and problem solving.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Frontotemporal dementia is one of the less common forms of dementia. It is sometimes called Pick's disease or Frontal lobe dementia. In Frontotemporal dementia, a variety of symptoms are caused by damage to different areas of the frontal and temporal lobes.

How do you communicate with a person with Dementia?

Most importantly, always have a positive attitude and SMILE!

A person with dementia may have an increased sensitivity to other people’s emotions and feelings, and tends to mirror this. When others are tense and uptight, they feel the same way. Instead of getting frustrated when the person with dementia does something that seems perfectly normal to them, and foolish to you, just smile. A smile will take the edge off any situation.

Get the person's attention first

Before speaking, make sure you have eye contact (if they are seated, get down to their level), Address them by name, and use nonverbal cues to help keep them focused. Limit outside noise and distractions.

Speak slowly and use simple words

Articulate well and use short sentences. If necessary, repeat your message or question, but always be patient in waiting for their reply (they may feel pressured if you try to speed up their answer). Always try to listen for the meaning and feelings that underlie their words.

Be respectful of their feelings

Do not talk down to them or speak to them as if they were a child. Never ridcule what they say. Instead acknowledge their answer (even if it seems out of context) and show them you are paying attention.

Use body language and physical contact

Communication isn't just talking. Body language, physical contact, and tone of voice become very significant when a person has difficulity understanding words. A hug, a touch of hands, and a friendly tone of voice will likely help to reassure them.

Dementia meal tips

Offer a range of tastes, textures, colours and smells

Offering a range of tastes, textures, colours and smells and serving food on aesthetically pleasing crockery can increase its attractiveness and stimulate appetite. It’s important to remember that the presentation of meals is just important as the taste of the food itself.

Variety

Variety is the key to increasing food intake. People eat 50% more food if there is variety. Although it can be beneficial to have a weekly meal plan to stick to, a few little treats now and again can help to excite taste buds and make meal times an occasion to look forward to.

Little and often

If appetite is low, eating ‘little and often’ can be a good solution, and also help to keep blood sugar levels on an even keel.

Favourite foods

Take the time to make a list of favourite foods that have positive associations (ie. ice cream that recaptures fond memories of summers past etc.) Incorporate foods from this list into the diet now and again can be a great way of helping with memory recollection and ensure that meal plans remain inspiring.

Foods that are easy to digest

When meal intake declines, often due to a lack of appetite, or reduced ability to swallow, it’s a good idea to try and incorporate more easily digestible foods into the diet. Nutritious alternatives like soups, avocados and bananas are all good options, and are packed with vital vitamins and nutrients as well.